Flight to jersey from Heathrow or exeter?

[JennyBeanR]

Hi all, short overview of my issue.
I have a non verbal autistic DD (4). By the time we fly, she'll be 5. She's in a special needs school and we are working on pecs. She has trouble with transitions but generally enjoys going out to new places and is a happy child. I am not worried about taking her away on a short summer holiday to Jersey. I think she'll love it. I am worried a bit of how she may feel on the plane, but since it's such a short flight, I think it should be manageable.
But here's my problem. I am extremely frightened of flying. I've flown a lot, but the last time I did (a long haul), I had a panic attack and it scared me so much that I've not flown in 8 years.
I hate being like that. I hate missing out on lovely holidays and I don't want my DD to miss out because of me.
So that's why I decided to book a Jersey holiday at Golden Sands, but I've not yet booked the flight. I was going to book Exeter airport (Blue Islands) as it's local and the flight would only be 45 minutes, however I understand those are small planes (with about 40 seats). I am frightened that a small plane would feel turbulence worse and make my anxiety worse...and therefore make it harder to take care of my DD.
So I'm considering driving 3+ hours up to London and catching a BA or EasyJet to Jersey instead. This adds additional cost (£70 if I book a hotel the night before, plus another £80 for parking, and fuel driving up).

I'm not sure if going via London is the best solution to ease me back into flying or if I'm being silly and should just book the Exeter flight.

So please mumsnet, help me!
YABU to book a flight from london when Exeter will be fine!
YANBU - small planes suck, go large!

There are ferries from Portsmouth and Poole to St Helier if that's easier

however I understand those are small planes (with about 40 seats).
A quick google suggests they replaced the ATR 42s (46 seats) with 72s (72 seaters) in 2022, so you'd be on a larger, albeit still propeller plane.

Thank you! They are pricey but I am considering it if it's so well reviewed. I see there are online courses, that might be more suitable.

I stuck a reminder in my calendar to look into booking one in March. I think it's likely to be more effective if I don't do it too far in advance. The 3 month online course looks promising. I also see that I can book special fear of flying flights from Bristol...that might be even better than going cold with my DD in August.

Also, I see a few people pointed out the planes are 70+ seats. Yes, it looks like I was reading some old sites! I went through booking a blue island flight on their website and could see that it is indeed larger than I thought. I know it might seem silly but that does make me feel calmer about it as well.

I love mumsnet :) Thank you everyone who took time to reply.

And to people mentioning the ferry. I don't think that would work well with my DD since I've read that it can be very turbulent and unreliable. I am also not sure if I wouldn't get seasick as I've not been on a ferry since I was a kid (and definitely vomited then).

I wouldn't book the fastcat, it can be like roller coaster in poor weather and cancelled more easily than the slow boat.
The Clipper from Portsmouth is usually pretty stable, but it takes a long time 9-5 ish daytime going over and 9pm-6am night time on return.
We used to do the Clipper, booked a superior cabin even in the daytime with a DVD player and my DDs were set for the journey. These days DH takes the car and luggage on the Clipper and DD2 and I fly out a few days later.

You can also book assistance as your daughter has additional needs which usually means you can fast track through security ,checking in and board plane first. Different airport ( I have found ) have slightly different procedures.

Also on jersey there is an adaptive boat for wheel Chairs uses but is for those with additional needs and their families can also go for a ride on .there is also surfing ( healing waves) that those with disabilities and families can do surfing together. I did both last year and highly recommend them if that is something you both might like.book in advance.

I've booked the flight from Exeter and signed up for the Easy jet fearless flying course.
Thank you everyone for the advice! I'm feeling positive about taking the course and looking forward to Jersey.

Well done!
BTW if you fly with Blue Islands on one of the ATR-72s - they really aren't that noisy.

Be prepared for them landing very short, so it feels like very strong braking when you land. It's perfectly safe and normal, just feels more forceful than the longer landing you'd get on a jet.

Our DDs' first flight was EXT to Guernsey in a Q400 Dash 8 prop plane with Flybe (they were brilliant!). The flight lasted 40 minutes during which time they had a J20 each and a small pack of Pringles. They didn't want to get off!

Since then, they have flown in all sorts from 747s (BA/Virgin) to a Cessna 172 with Daddy the pilot and been very happy.

I second the watching videos to help your anxiety. I'm not a massive fan of turbulence but watching Big Jet TV on YouTube has massively increased my confidence in the ability of the crew to deal with situations. Mentour Pilot mentioned earlier is also excellent. Have a fab holiday.

Have a lovely time OP (I am biased as I have ancestors born there!!)

OP, Blue Island are lovely. They are everything that budget airlines are not. They have nice staff, and proper customer services and don't get arsey about luggage or try to fleece you if you want to sit together or have a problem with checking in on-line.. They are SO much easier to deal with.

I've flown to Guernsey & Jersey with Blue Island and prefer them to any other airline.