Please help - flight tonight

[Reginaldperrin]

I have a fear of flying, and I have to fly this evening. Im leaving my kids for the first time ever and am terrified the plane is going to crash.

I really hate feeling like this. I want to get on that plane and feel happy and relaxed but Im already sweating about it. Can anyone please give me some tips that could help???

I’m the same.
I take Kwells travel sickness tablets, have plenty of water to drink, avoid alcohol and plug into some interesting podcasts or audiobooks.
I avoid sitting by the window, I prefer an aisle seat, sit over the wings where it’s less bumpy and deep breathe.
oh, and I knit socks to keep my hands busy!

I second this, it really helps.

I hate turbulance

I like getting a can of lager on the flight (normally I am a G&T girl) as it's a longer drink.

Just think of the stats - you're safer up there than you are travelling on the ground

I have a relative who developed a fear of flying.
When she told me how she didn't like a certain sensation or noise, I'd talk to her about it and explain why it's happening. (I do suffer from minor aviation nerdery 😁)
She became very interested and now loves watching the wings to see what the flaps, slats etc are doing, listens for the gear going up and down, watches the lights, looks out of the window on landing and tries to guess when the wheels will touch. She's pretty much cured herself of the fear. When you know what's happening, what's making the noise etc it stops being frightening.
There is still a stage of a flight that she dislikes, but only because of the physical sensation. She understands that nothing is happening that's wrong.
There are some fantastic videos on YouTube by pilots explaining how the aircraft works and what's going on during a flight. Mentour Pilot is a good one.

Have one or two drinks in the bar beforehand - not lots! Play music you like or download something to watch and distract you, or just have a good book. Like someone else said, talk to the person next to you if they're up for it.

I was once nervous about flying but that feeling dissipated very quickly. You'll see everyone else looking very calm and relaxed and that might calm your nerves. It's usually the take off people are nervous about but that is over so quickly. Just remember that it is extremely unlikely that anything untoward is going to happen to you - it's true when they say flying is the safest form of transport.

How was the flight Reginaldperrin

Am just about to board. Thanks all, I did listen to some meditation and have downloaded things to watch. I’ve also had a pint 🙂

I made it. Thanks so much everyone. Whoever suggested thinking about a hand holding the plane, that especially helped. But really appreciate everyone’s suggestions, they all helped me. Now for the flight back, and some therapy when I get home.

We'll done!

Great stuff, well done! I’d you can, do consider the Easyjet course, it’s a game changer