To be so scared of flying…

[TheBeaTgoeson1]

For as long as I can remember I have been terrified of flying, I haven’t actually been on a plane since I was a toddler. It’s hard to understand exactly why, but things that don’t frighten me are turbulence, or weather. I’m also not claustrophobic, or at least that’s not what bothers me on a plane.

My fear seems to surround human error, mechanical error, or terrorism. I’m not sure if it’s because I came of age during some quite nasty terror attacks on planes, such as September 11!

If you have those specific fears, is there anything in particular that worked? I devoured the love fly podcast, and I’m still listening to that, and I do think that has helped. I’m thinking of booking myself a sort of test flight to Paris, or somewhere like that soon.

I am a teacher, so I get those long holidays where it would be lovely to go off with the family somewhere nice! I don’t want to hold anyone back!

Any help appreciated.

Easy jet do a fear of flying course where you go on an actual short flight for about 30 minutes. I have a panic disorder and it really helped me.

Thanks for that advice, I did look into those fear of flying courses, I wasn’t sure whether I was better to try and just sort of self manage it, and maybe do a little mini break instead! Rather than spend the money on a fear of flying course! But I can see why it might be a lot better to do.

my dad takes diazepam.

I was scared and I watched loads of YouTube clips by pilots. It really eased my mind.

Ive just flown without medication for the first time and my tips are alcohol really does take the edge off, so have a couple of drinks. Also I played music really loud so that I couldn't hear any aeroplane noises. I did it. I would happily never fly again, but I did it and it was absolutely fine. I just think that the pilot and crew do not turn up to work every day to die. I used to be a frequent flyer and I think the worst thing is having these big gaps between flights. As you say, perhaps try some short flights.

I have a fear of flying, to the point this time last week I was a sobbing wreck and begging my husband to go on our holiday without me! I couldn't not go though, our 5 year old was so excited, so when we got on the plane I told the stewardess I saw that I was very anxious and she was wonderful! Came and had a chat with me before takeoff to tell me the pilot had said it was going to be a smooth flight all the way, that it was looking lovely and sunny at our destination and, she came and checked on me during the flight too. I think it helped that we were sat near the front and I could see them, and kept telling myself they do this all day every day and if theyre not worried its all good. My son did have a wobble as we got high up when he looked out of a window...we shut the blinds so he couldn't see and distracted him which distracted me. I cant say I enjoyed it, but I did it.

We fly home tomorrow and im not as panicked at the thought of getting on the plane again atm, it may change yet but I will speak to the stewardess again for reassurance. The best thing for me has been to keep talking to my husband about how im feeling, he calms me down and reassures me, hes been so supportive! I dont think I will ever enjoy flying, im trying to persuade him to just let me holiday in the UK next year but he loves the sun!

I found the book "soar" extremely helpful.

Edited for typo