I'm being mad

[Mountrest87]

I have a flight at 7 this morning and I'm hyperventilating. Complete irrational fear of flying. Its a stupid 1.25 hour domestic flight. Tell me it'll be fine.

It will be absolutely fine. I promise. Flying is one of the safest forms of transport. You just have to get through it.

Have you got an alarm set? If so then do try to get some sleep if you possibly can.

(I know this is easy to say)

Think how many flights take off and land across the uk daily. Think how many flights the aircraft staff complete weekly without a second thought - you’ll be fine.

Ah love, you're so brave to face your fear this way :) you'll be absolutely, 100% fine. Let the stewards know you're scared and listen to music or a podcast.

You will be absolutely fine. Think of happy times in as much detail as you can. Once 1 is done, move on to another. X

You will be fine, you can do this. This is me on a flight too. I am flying in 10 days and have been panicking for the last 2 weeks about it. It is a bit late for you now but I have been having hypnotherapy and I am feeling more confident about it so that is something to think about for the future. Download the calm app, there are flight anxiety playlists on there. I asked chatgtp for a calm kit for myself, this is what it gave me and I will be putting it together before I fly. I also have Bach rescue remedy, you can probably get it airside in boots.

1.
Calming Tools

• Noise-cancelling headphones or earplugs
• Soothing playlist/podcast (downloaded in advance)
• Eye mask or sunglasses (reduce sensory overload)
• Comfort item (small scarf, soft fabric, worry stone)

2.
Grounding & Distraction

• Small notebook + pen (jot down feelings, play word games)
• Crossword, sudoku, or puzzle app (downloaded for offline use)
• Calming scent rollerball (lavender or peppermint)
• Chewing gum or mints (helps regulate breathing)

3.
Breathing & Relaxation Aids

• Printed 4–6 breathing technique card (inhale 4, exhale 6)
• Guided breathing/meditation app (e.g. Calm, Headspace, Breathwrk)
• If prescribed: your medication in an easy-to-reach pill case

4. Practical Comfort

• Reusable water bottle (fill after security)
• Light snack (protein bar, oatcakes, boiled sweet) to prevent blood sugar dips
• Travel-sized hand cream (soothing smell & texture)

5.
Safety & Support Reminders

• Your script for cabin crew (printed small or on your phone) “Hi, I just wanted to let you know I get anxious during flights, especially once the doors close. I don’t usually need anything, but I’d feel better knowing you’re aware in case I start to feel unwell.”
• A note with calming affirmations:
• This feeling will pass.
• I have handled this before.
• I can move, breathe, and ask for help.

I wasn’t sure which way the vote worked so I went with not unreasonable because fear of flying is genuinely pretty common so even though it’s perfectly safe, what you are experiencing is a natural reaction to your situation. Have you got someone going with you who can support you?