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AIBU?

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Original poster

Terrified of flying

83 replies

Foamburstenergy · 14/05/2024 23:20

We've booked a luxury holiday that we've been looking forward to for months. Just us without the kids for the first time in 5 years. But there's a 4 hour flight each way.

It's next week now and I'm making myself sick with panic. I can't eat or sleep properly never mind concentrate on my major work project due before I go. I'm now balling my eyes out at leaving my gorgeous toddler behind, though i know it's just my stress.

Please calm me down. Please tell me about all the lovely easy calm flights you've taken recently that have been just fine. And that thousands fly every day and they're all just fine.

Do some people really fly without any anxiety?

I'm so upset at this once in a decade holiday experience being spoilt.

OP posts:
BettyBardMacDonald · 15/05/2024 00:11

Airplanes are a miraculous feat of engineering. They are designed to want to fly, and they are very safe.

You know how boats, large or small, float on a cushion of water? That is what planes do, only on air. There is not "nothing" between them and the ground; there is a sturdy invisible cushion of air they are riding on.

You know when your car rumbles over cobblestone roads, but is safe and fine? That is what happens when planes encounter "turbulence." It's no threat safety-wise.

Aircraft are incredible. You will be safe and relatively comfortable. Imagine the awe of people 100, 200 or 1,000 years ago if they could see and experience it.

Good journey!

RogueFemale · 14/05/2024 23:53

If you can't get diazepam, alcohol works really well to stop you feeling terrified.

Claireshh · 14/05/2024 23:53

Try reading the BA flying with confidence book. It’s great.

I used to be seriously terrified and now I pretty much fall asleep as soon as we take off.

Bringonthesunforthewashing · 14/05/2024 23:49

I am also absolutely terrified, would rather not go - BUT, I know I am being absolutely ridiculous and my fear is unfounded.

I just really struggle with my thoughts.

Go to the gp and get some diazepam. You will need about 12mg, you will be fine! X

Mumof1andacat · 14/05/2024 23:45

Honestly go to the gp. My friend was extremely anxious every time she flew but did it yearly for her holiday. It would make her physically unwell and ruin most of her holiday but she continued to fly to not let her family down. Anyway, one year, she said enough and went to the gp and now is prescription something to take for anxiety which she takes starting a week before she flys. She is so much better.

Valid8me · 14/05/2024 23:40

Do some people really fly without any anxiety?
Most people I would imagine. Yeah, if I think about all the things that could possibly go wrong it scares me a bit, so I just don't think about it and it's fine!

Bromdad · 14/05/2024 23:28

I studied aerospace engineering as an undergrad and have gone on to spend many hours flying recreationally. The effort that goes on behind the scenes to make flying such a safe way to travel is enormous. Try and relax - design engineers, maintenance personnel, air traffic control, cabin crew and flight crew have all got your back!

KnickerlessParsons · 14/05/2024 23:23

You only have to look on the Flight Radar app to see how many thousands of flights happen every day without incident.
I take it you'll be driving to the airport? That's far more dangerous - apparently.