Ultra long haul when I’m terrified of flying and DCs have never been on a plane!

[Wenchelda]

Ok, I realise it probably seems like madness. In 2019 we will be flying from UK to Australia with DCs who will be 9 & 7. They have never been on a plane before. I have done this flight many times in the past and been fine, however since having children, I have become terrified of flying.

I would really appreciate advice for any aspect of this - how to manage my fear without the children picking up on it?, how not to spend the entire 25hrs crying because I’m so scared?, how to prepare them for such a long first ever flight?, which airline is best? (I’ve used Emirates several times before but have heard that Qatar are great when taking children), what to take in hand luggage?, when is best to book the flights? (They are released 12months in advance but are we best to book straight away or hold on?)

It’s over 12 months away but just thinking about it makes me feel sick with a mixture of mainly fear and a little bit of excitement. I’m hoping if I can get lots of tips then that will help. Thank you

I would consider enrolling yourself now onto a Fear of Flying course; these have high success rates.

I would also book the flights as soon as possible after the release date. Which part of Australia do you want to fly into, this may well have a bearing on the carrier that you choose. Personally I would consider stopping over in Singapore to break up the journey rather than Dubai.

Book your flights as soon as they come out
They will go up in price nearer the date you travel

I've just come back from Hong Kong, i spoke to the cabin crew out of ear shot of my dcs and told them I was anxious but didn't want the kids to know.
They were amazing, plied me with vodka lol, kept checking on me and even got the captain to speak to me which was lovely.

My 8 year old slept for 10 hours both ways 🤗

Thank you - I have thought about a fear of flying course but tbh I’m not sure how beneficial it would be as my fear is based on terrorism rather than mechanical failure. I will definitely look into it though.

We will be flying in to Sydney - our closest airports here are Birmingham or Manchester but we would happily fly from elsewhere if it would save us a lot of money. We will be going in August so flights will be extra expensive due to uk school holidays.

Also, are we better booking direct with an airline or through an agent?

I think that that fear is normal.

I get it, I always find that once I am on the plane I am ok. I take Stugeron travel sickness pills, they make me drowsy, which helps.

Unlike you, I also get scared during turbulence and grip the armrests and sometimes squeal during a "drop" . The DC just roll their eyes at their silly mum

It never rubbed off on them.

Diazepam - my DH is terrified of flying - it really helps with the anxiety but you are still functioning, ie not too drowsy to look after your kids ... speak to your GP

We flew from Birmingham to Perth and back in October with our then 3 and 15 month old daughters. I hate flying and was dreading it but I think the thought of it is much worse than the reality. The flight’s were fine, we went via Dubai with Emirates and the cabin crew were great. I was also worried about terrorism but found when I was actually on the plane I relaxed a lot more than I thought I would.