NEED...Fear of flying mantra...

[Jenn]

I HATE....HATE...HATE to fly....Did I tell ya'll I hate to fly........ugh....
We leave on Monday and fly back on Friday. We are flying down to Mexico to see my father which lives in the BEAUTIFUL town of Taxco. Anywho, everyone is worried about us just being down there ,but I'm more concerned about flying....
Any tricks to help me deal with the flight....??? I HATE even leaving,. but the tickets are done and bought and my MIL is flying in tomorrow.
Any suggestions of dealing with being on the plane I will forever be greatful!!!
Jenn

[maillotpois]

Valium.

I hate to fly.

[teigyr]

Jenn,

What about it scares you? I've been in a lot of situations and I actually work for an airline. I was in a small plane once where I just had to distract myself because it was very bumpy and turbulance scared me to no end! I read the Auto Club book to see what hotels looked nice. It was mindless reading but it took my mind off of obsessing.

Anyway, I do aircraft weight and balance. I work a lot with the aircraft and pilots and ride occasionally in the flight deck. I can say quite honestly that the aircraft are meant to take a lot of abuse. Wind or turbulance is kind of like surfing...the pilots basically ride it. They know generally where it is and while it's intimidating, it is nothing that the aircraft or pilots can't handle. Pilots are trained in so many hypothetical situations that they can handle whatever is thrown their way. They truly know what they're doing and I've been able to observe them in adverse situations.

As a passenger, I did get clausterphobic once. My dad was very sick in ICU and it was an emergency trip to Calif. I basically lost it, like the walls closed in on me. If you feel that, a bag with ice on the back of your neck works wonders, the flight attendants can help you. And lastly if you're scared, talk to the flight attendants. They've dealt with so much and they can be reassuring. Oh, benedryl works as a wonderful sedative too! Be careful with major drugs -- I've seen a lot of situations where someone takes one too many or gets a drink after taking one and THAT isn't good. Ambien can also make people pretty ditzy.

Oh, you know how stupid little things can hypnotise you? Like a mindless magazine or playing solitaire or something like that? Be prepared with something to just take your mind off of things.

PM me if you have questions. Since I don't know why, I can't speak specifically about anything. Please do know, however, I was not horrified to fly but was mildly nervous before I started my current job. After seeing so many "behind the scenes" things, I have to honestly say I have no qualms about being on a plane whatsoever.

[Bikingmomof3]

Jenn,
I actually enjoy flying, I prefer it over driving. But DH is terrified of flying, yet he travels overseas a lot.
My advice to you would be the same as I give him (and he has yet to listened , so feel free to ignore) go to the doctor and he will give you something to take the edge off, just for the flight down and back.
Most people on a plane do not like to fly. The attendents are quite good at comforting people. I have flown a lot and I have never seen anyone lose it. Honestly, you will do great! Oh, if you ignore my suggestion, DH has a few drinks before the flight help.

[silver]

My mantra is X A N A X...(seriously) I asked my doctor for it and they would give me enough to get through each take off. But you really should experiment with it first. Once when I took it, I was flying myself with my kids. I passed out across the three seats and my kids just sort of slid forward and made themselves comfortable all around me. I do remember vaguely the flight attendent asking my daughter if their mother was OK.

And I say that if the destination is worth it I'll fly there. I'm not missing out on an adventure because of fear! That's how I got to Europe twice. (Although I will admit that I did not go to the top of the Eiffel Tower, only the "second" floor, but hey I was there!) And Taxco is SOOOOOO lovely!!!!!!!!!! You will be fine!

[bikerHen]

I also firmly believe women was not made to fly, unless you're going downhill on a bike. We HAD to fly to So. California the first of March for a cruise to Mexico. The only way I made it was drugs. One pill when I got up, one pill when we got on the plane, one pill when we made our connection flight. They really help ALOT. Drugs . . . the only way to fly! bikerhen

. . . and of course I had to repeat the process to get home!

[hellosunshine]

i used to take a tpestry but now needles are banned,this year i took my race handbook for the oputward flight and did all the race entries for the season (almost 40 so far)then i ran out of cheque book!!!!


on the return i took my annual accounts and buried my head in sums and concentration


in my experience the drive to the airport with all the anticipation is far far worse,once on the flight you do tend to find you are rather resigned and more relaxed to the goings on.


so,conclusion-some occupational therapy!SUDUKO?



REPORT BACK TO BASE ON RETURN!

[Jenn]

Thank you all so much for your encouraging words! I do have my Klonopin that I take on occasion for anxiety, so I will definatlely have that on board when I get on the plane. I use to LOVE to fly and I did every summer when I was a teen to Cali. Then, one day in my mid 20's we hit BAD BAD turbulence and we hit an air pocket and the plane dropped the masks fell out and I thought for sure this is it, so I didn't fly for over 10 years after that.
I think the new worry now is the fact that I have a child and leaving her is going to be tough. Plus, I don't like feeling closed in and not in control. I found a fear of flying website and have downloaded some "mantra's".

"Silver" you made me laugh so hard, sorry but I could just picture you passed out the kids sitting there and the flight attendant thinking....hmmm.....hahaha
I needed a laugh thank you.

Ya'll have been a HUGE help and thanks for the pat on the back, I still would rather bike there if that was possible!

[Mr. Bloom]

"Silver" you made me laugh so hard, sorry but I could just picture you passed out the kids sitting there and the flight attendant thinking....hmmm.....hahaha
I needed a laugh thank you.

I'm laughing at recollection of the time that she slept for a 13 hour flight back from Europe, was awake for the taxi ride home and then slept another 12 hours....leaving me with two jet-lagged kids In other words, make sure you mind the dose...or you'll not get a chance for visiting...

Ironically, like you, Silver never had this fear until SilverSon was born. But, she went from no fear to extreme anxiety.

[SouthernBelle]

Maybe, also, an ipod or mp3 player with something soothing on it??

[Brandi]

You know I have had so many more close calls driving then ever have I had a problem flying! i fly at least on 30- 50 planes a year and never had any problems. My luggage has had way more problems then me.
Bring some of your favorite stuff with . Maybe a mp3 player with favorite music, a favorite pillow. Deep breathing at least three deep breaths at a time when you are feeling nervouse. And the medicating advice is always good. something mild. Your Doc will perscribe two pills if you need it. One for going and coming back.
Good luck! Really it is a peice of cake compared to other things you might have to do in your life time.

[Jenn]

Living on an Air Force Base I see and hear planes 24/7 so you think I'd be fine with it.
Screw it, I called the Dr and asked her to call me in two valium, might as well be happy and scared!

I also don't rember the movie but I keep thinking of the scene where the actor is on the plane and is terrified of flying and the little boy sitting next to him draws a picture of the plane going down in flames.....that is SOOO something that would happen to me.

[ridethewind]

You might be thinking of "Hook" with Robin Williams.

[mtkitchn]

There is good advice here. Deep breathing, music, talking to the flight attendants. Maybe if you mention that you're a frightened flyer when you board, the pilots will bring you up front and talk to you a bit. Who are you flying on? What kind of airplane?
Remember that flying is much safer than driving. When you hear about an airliner crash, it's only news because it happens so rarely! Turbulence is uncomfortable, but planes are built to withstand it.
I'm an airline pilot, and one of our captains here has a degree in psychology. He put out a kit for fearful flyers. http://www.fearless-flight.com/chick...rful-flyer.php
I've never seen the program, but one day I was flying with him, and a lady on board mentioned how helpful it had been for her!
Maybe something like that would help next time, although I realize it's too late for it now if you're leaving Monday.
Good luck, don't worry, and have a great time!
Sue

[Jenn]

Wow, as a pilot you must look at us "freak outs" and think gosh if they only knew how safe it is.....
Thank you again, I have been on a website, it's a "Fear of flying" and the man is VERY nice and I've donwloaded some of his calming affirmations while on the plane.
My Dr graciously gave me a few Valium as to avoid the total embarassment of a headline stating " Panicked passenger leaps from 737 while taxing down the runway"........haha...I know that is not funny but that is what I almost did last time.
You all have been nothing but GREAT and I can't thank you enough. Taxco IS the silver capital of world....so...hmmmmm what can I bring back to put on my bike?????OH wait....I'm a Fred, so I'm gonna get me a silver plated visor!
HUGS
Jenn