Afraid to fly?

[PHANTOM5875]

I'm not afraid to fly. I just hate to fly. I have flown many times over the years including internationally and I am a bit claustrophobic (getting worse as I get older) and I really dislike being crammed into a passenger compartment like a sardine. Most of the planes I have flown on (business trips I don't pay for) are just not designed for people to walk around on. I am sure if I tried to do that right now, I would make people nervous and wind up being strapped to my seat by my fellow passengers.

Would I fly again? Yes. If just to make a point to the haters that I will NOT let fear dominate my life. It's too short and precious to let that happen.

If I do happen to be on a plane about to crash, I sincerely hope it crashes into a house full of people planning another mass murder attempt. That MIGHT make me enough bonus points to get me an upgrade on the flight to oblivion.

Hope everyone had a peaceful and enjoyable Christmas day.

 

[JennyOmanHill]

Window seat preferred

I prefer sitting by a window myself, as I enjoy being able to look down upon the patchwork of land or the sparkling lights at night. I also find the flights are smoother at nighttime. Is there something to that, or is it just that I doze off more during a night flight?

I do wish the seats were more comfortable though. After squeezing into the seat itself, trying to manhandle the seat belt can also be an adventure. I cannot imagine how anyone too tall or very heavy can be comfortable at all!

For some reason I also enjoy being able to spot the flight attendants during a bumpy takeoff or landing!

 

[La Huesera]

I have never flow.. I will be 32 next month and have never set foot on a plane. I must say that the thought of flying gives me a scare. However, my major is offering a 4 credit hour class in Special Projects this May in either Alaska or Cancun.. I can't pass it up... but I am already nervous about it. Anyone have any tips?? I thought I would go to my Doc and let him right me out a little script..

 

[TygerEyez]

I'm terrified of flying, and not just because of 9/11. I'm not a big person for rides, and the minute that plane takes off... the minute my lunch does, too.

I hate to stare straight ahead into the seat in front of me, or I get dizzy and nauseous. I don't know what it is. It gets worse when the plane banks, or turns.

The first time, (and last I might add) I was returning from Texas. We had a four and a half hour delay at the Dallas Airport, then we circled O'Hare for an hour due to bad weather and thunderstorms.

That whole trip just soured me on flying.

That and the fact that "Man, we're thousands of feet up!" turns into "Great googily-moogily, I have thousands of feet to fall."

 

[seXieleXie]

i like to fly. even though i had a terrible experiance flying home from school (word to the wise: NEVER fly ATA, they suck) i still enjoy it. i had my bag searched (me! lil ol' innocent me! )and the way the army guy was pointing that m16 at my underwear actually made me feel safer than i had before!

 

[JennyOmanHill]

I have never flow.. I will be 32 next month and have never set foot on a plane. I must say that the thought of flying gives me a scare. However, my major is offering a 4 credit hour class in Special Projects this May in either Alaska or Cancun.. I can't pass it up... but I am already nervous about it. Anyone have any tips?? I thought I would go to my Doc and let him right me out a little script..

I didn't take my first flight until my early 20s, so that might have possibly led up to my pre-flight jitters. Eventually I've gotten to the point where I just focus on the destination. I have tried having a couple of drinks beforehand, but I suppose my body is already in such a state, that it doesn't have an effect other than guaranteeing a trip to the restroom once I'm in the air!

What works for me the best is using some deep breathing exercises (which I need to begin the second my eyes open that day!). I have flown now at least 50 times, and a lot of my nerves (or lack of) now seem like an automatic response my system reacts to. Even with the recent terrorist possibilities, flying is still the safest way to travel, and I think if you can relax yourself enough beforehand you'll find it to be a rather exciting experience. (Spoken by someone who cannot step on a ferris wheel!)

Sounds like you have a great opportunity this spring, La Huesera. All the best!

I would likely feel safer seeing the National Guard around though as far as boarding; I'm usually the one agents "check" when crossing borders! Probably that "zoned out" look of fear in my eyes!

Like you, TygerEyez, I feel each turn and cannot read when any sort of turbulence starts. (My first several flights had me gripping the arm rests the entire trip! The flight attendants were very helpful, and tried their best to help me avoid freaking out totally!) I enjoy the view, but dread any sort of "bumps" along the way.

 

[christophe]

I had the priveledge of flying airplanes at one time, but due to the enormous cost I abandoned the "hobby."

It is a real gas to get behind the controls of an airplane and fly one yourself. It is what I considered true freedom from any worries I had.

As far as fear to board a plane, I would do it without hesitation!

 

[Weird Harold]

but I am already nervous about it. Anyone have any tips??

Do some reading.

Take a book to read or something else that will help you pass the time without thinking too much about where you are.

Read as much as you can find about airplanes -- how they're built, what makes them fly, how each model differes from the others, etc. The more you know, the more comfortable you'll be with the technology.

When you schedule your flight, check the type of plane scheduled for each possibility -- pick the one with the bigest type of airplane. Bigger planes fly smoother and aren't as claustrophobic -- really big planes like 747's and DC-10's are more like sitting in an auditorium than traveling.

For me, flying is almost exactly as stressfull as taking a taxi -- I'm not in charge but the person who is has a lot of experience.

 

[Angelus]

I love to fly..... September 11th didn't change that in the least. I've flown around the country at least twice since then and have had no problems at all. But, I guess it is just the country I live in.

 

[fgarvb1]

As soon as they get that gravity shit fixed, then i'll fly!

 

[LadyDarkFire]

I'm a bit scared of flying, mainly claustrophobia, but in general, I can get on a plane without screaming for a priestess. (It was only one time, we were flying to Hawaii, and I was 4.)

I've flown after Sept 11th (on the 28th and 30th of Sept) and frankly, I was barely checked at Oakland International. However, when headed back, I was checked with the Wand, asked to remove my jacket, and had someone ask me if it was all right to check if the metal on my bra straps was just that. Now, this wasn't some tin bra, it was an ordinary Victoria Secrets sale bra. The wand caught that, the eyelets on my boots for the laces, and the metal of the fly of my jeans.

For tomorrow, I'm arriving there 2 hours and 40 minutes ahead of time (mainly because it was that or one hour ahead of time), and I've been informed of a warning list by my travel agent.
First there is the no sharp, or dangerous metal objects on the plane. Nail Files, Nail clippers, letter openers, swiss army knives (of any size) get confiscated. I cleared through with my razor and refills in my bag last time, but I've been advised to stow them in my checked luggage this time.
Second: Be prepared to take off your shoes at the security check point, there is seperate scanning of shoes being done.
Thirdly, when packing, don't put things like belts, with metal buckles, into your shoes. A coworker of a friend flew in October and was actually escorted off the plane, and into a secure room where he was then asked to unpack his bag. He had stowed his belt inside of his shoes, and something about his luggage, shoes, or belt, made it hard to see what was in the shoe. After it checked out all right, he was allowed to fly, but still, it caused him delays and his nerves were strained.
Fourth, remember that the more metal on an outfit, the more time you're going to spend being checked over. This means that for fast passage through the airport security checks, wear a minumum of metal. Any jewlery, store in your purse, and try to avoid zippered sweaters under a coat.
5th and final: Remember, if you are traveling with a computer, you will be required to open it, boot it up, and prove that it is indeed a computer when flying. Generally, they don't do this to Cell phones, or Palm Pilots, but all laptops are generally checked.

Hope these help, and that you all have a safe and pleasant flight.

 

[JennyOmanHill]

Thanks LadyDarkFire for sharing all those helpful hints! Here's hoping your flight goes well and smoothly.

Aside from reading, are there any ideas of how to "relax" before boarding your flight? (I'm sure with the extra security and holiday traffic, it must be quite a wait to finally get going!)

 

[Rick DeVille]

I live in planes so I'm relaxed and fatalistic

 

[Weird Harold]

Aside from reading, are there any ideas of how to "relax" before boarding your flight?

I just keep moving around, watching people and the activity on the ramp. I know I'm going to be sitting in oneplace/position for however long the flight lasts so I seldom sit while waiting to board.

Word puzzle books, coloring books, a "pocket video slot machine", or similar activity is good for killing time if you need to babysit your luggage. A tablet or pad to write your latest erotic masterpiece would be a good choice too.

 

[espressolover]

Flying

I have to say, that I've never been afraid to fly..and I have flwn off and on all my life. I have always enjoyed it.

That is until the recent events of which we all know so well...now I am very nervous. I have a flight to England coming up in April.
And I am trying to talk myself out of being nervous, but I am not having much luck...lol! Aside from getting plastered or sleeping the whole way over, I don't know what to do to relax.
I hate being drunk, and I hate the hangover even worse...so that is probably not an option.

A friend at work that travels regularly for her job told me that she got on the plane with a swiss army knife wtih an unusually large blade and they didn't find it. It was in her purse on her key-ring. She said that she had forgotten it was on there, til she reached in her purse after landing and discovered it. She was scared because the events of 9/11 had come about by using box-cutters-not terribly different than what she had..and security had missed it! That, I think is very scary.

So, I will be nervous, to say the least..ayone having any ideas to help will be greatly appreciated!!


espressolover

 

[JennyOmanHill]

Very good suggestions, Weird Harold! My feet tend to swell after sitting very long, so I try to keep moving as well before boarding. I just don't feel comfortable with the anticipation! I just want to get on board and get that feeling over with (I sometimes go into a "zone" once I'm actually strapped into the seat!).

I haven't any definite plans right now to travel in the immediate future, but I know many people who will be taking to the air (so I sometimes feels "anxious" for them!!). Your trip, espressolover, is still a bit off so try not to think too much about it right now. Instead, I would try and focus on the reason for the trip and the fact that you'll be travelling someplace pretty exciting.

Rick, I think that "zone" I mentioned is close to a "fatalistic" attitude. (After I'm strapped in, it's "oh well, what ever happens happens!")

Any tips out there for relaxation?

 

[espressolover]

jenny

Thank you for the comment:
You are right about it being a ways off. I've been known to be a worry-wart...lol!

It will be an exciting trip, I have never been overseas before.
I am really looking forward to that...just wish I didn't have to hop the "big pond" to do it!

As always, thank you for all the help and support you have given me! You are greatly appreciated.

espressolover