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AIBU?

Crippled with fear

36 replies

IrrationalWoman · 18/05/2016 19:55

I know I am BU.

I'm getting on a plane for the first time in a few days (short haul) with DC7 and I'm freaking out a bit. Not sure why I'm so scared, maybe because I've never been on one before. I don't really think it's a good idea to ask for vallium from the GP as I have DC to consider, might consider a couple of wines though? I don't think it will be easy to read or listen to music with DC there talking non stop

I've been watching videos on YouTube people have recorded on planes, filming their take off/landings etc and my legs are like jelly just watching how high they are off the ground! I keep hearing about turbulence being the worst part, but I'm not even sure what that is exactly? On these videos the planes seem so still and silent whilst up in the air, that also concerns me. I'll be stuck in a huge, heavy metal tube in the sky... oh dear, please someone talk some sense into me?

OP posts:

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Alasalas2 · 19/05/2016 03:38

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

MissRabbitHasTooManyJobs · 19/05/2016 04:44

Hi op, I'm flying to turkey on Saturday and am petrified of flying.
Have been on many planes since I was 11, am now 38 and am still the same.
Haven't been on one though for 7 years and come from a family where both my brothers won't fly and take their dc on holiday by car/train etc.

My advice is to tell the cabin crew that it's your first time and that you're nervous.
Last time I flew I told the stewardess and she was very helpful and put me at ease.

Doesn't help that ds 13 loves watching air crash investigation etc so I've banned that from the house :)

Also take a book or magazine to distract yourself, my flight is just over 4 hours and I've got a bag ready with things I like including my favourite chocolate.
I personally don't like take off but love landing and once in the sky the odd bit of turbulence can happen it's just where the plane gets a bit wobbly, the airlines have never been safer.
I'm normally a wreck now but feel quite calm, just think of the end destination! Best of luck x

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Atenco · 19/05/2016 05:29

OP, flying is absolutely wonderful, especially when it is only one hour, because the take off and landing are the best bits.

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IrrationalWoman · 19/05/2016 07:25

Great advice from everyone, thanks.

Just seen this on Facebook:
'An informed source at EGYPTAIR stated that Flight no MS804, which departed Paris at 23:09 (CEST), heading to Cairo has disappeared from radar.'

OP posts:

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MissRabbitHasTooManyJobs · 19/05/2016 07:54

Yes I unfortunately saw this too :(

Really awful to say but literally every time I've been away a plane crashes the same week and maybe that's why I'm a bag of nerves.
I told my dad this yesterday and he said oh don't be soft and now it's happened. Poor people god love them.

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jonsnowssocks · 19/05/2016 08:17

I used to fly then for some unknown reason got scared, started avoiding it and now I'm not sure I'll ever be able to do it again. It's such a shame, I'm going to miss out on so many experiences. My DH just goes on holiday without me (my choice) but I'm not sure what we'll do when we want to go on family holidays (am pregnant with our first dc).

YANBU at all but get on that plane, focus on your dc and your destination, you'll realise that it's nothing to worry about.

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cozietoesie · 19/05/2016 08:30

Yes. Focus on any children with you and make it a good experience for them.

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almondbutter · 19/05/2016 14:47

Irrational deffo do as suggested and tell the cabin crew. They are so kind to nervous people and will bring herbal tea, check in with you mid flight, reassure you about noises etc.

Many airlines now have videos for nervous fliers where the pilot explains how safe flying is and how turbulence isn't dangerous, so maybe see if you can find one of those on YouTube?

I have been on some bad flights and some awful, awful airlines (Congolese domestic) and am 100% still here and still fly. If it gets bumpy I remind myself that it's just like being on a rough road, only the road is air and winds. Good luck and enjoy yourself, it might be the start of a new passion.

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MummyBex1985 · 19/05/2016 15:17

OP it's a natural fear for a lot of people I think. Rescue remedy can help, as can Valium. I take Valium even travelling with my DCs - a very low dose of 2mg and I still function just fine.

I would say though - please don't act scared around your DCs. I had to have therapy for my own plane phobia because I picked up on my mums fears as a child. My therapist said it was incredibly common to develop a plane phobia as a result of seeing scared parents.

Have a great flight

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Topseyt · 19/05/2016 15:43

It is a very common fear.

I am the same, and I have flown many times. I also live under the flight path to Stansted Airport.

I will fly, because I want to get from A to B and enjoy a good holiday. I dislike take-off and landing, and turbulence is not pleasant.

I take Kalms for a few days beforehand, which I find helps. I also order a gin and tonic from the bar trolley when it comes around, which also helps.

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RaskolnikovsGarret · 19/05/2016 15:50

I'm not scared at all but recently have become incredibly claustrophobic, which can lead to a panicky feeling. I can never find tips to help deal with this, only to help frightened flyers. I had it quite badly on a recent 12 hour flight. I have three 2-4 hour flights coming up, and am hoping the shorter time will help me feel better.

But don't be scared OP, there is genuinely very little to be frightened of. Have fun!