Fear of Flying

rome1067

I have developed an irrational fear of flying recently and on our return from Majorca recently felt sure that I was about to have a panic attack. This has never happened before and its really freaking me out. When I start to think about next years holiday the panic really sets in.

Has anyone been on one of the courses that the airports run and if so was it worth it? My OH tells me to take some Kalms and have a couple of drinks before take off! I am also thinking of hypnotherapy and would be interested to hear from anyone who has done this.

Hope you can help, I know its ridiculous to be this worried but try as I might I just can't help it.

vodkachick68

rome1067 wrote: »

I have developed an irrational fear of flying recently and on our return from Majorca recently felt sure that I was about to have a panic attack. This has never happened before and its really freaking me out. When I start to think about next years holiday the panic really sets in.

Has anyone been on one of the courses that the airports run and if so was it worth it? My OH tells me to take some Kalms and have a couple of drinks before take off! I am also thinking of hypnotherapy and would be interested to hear from anyone who has done this.

Hope you can help, I know its ridiculous to be this worried but try as I might I just can't help it.

I also have a fear of flying and claustriphobia (sp),but i still get on a plane every year to go my hols. I haven't tried any of the hypnotherapy or kalms tablets so wouldn't be able to help you there. All i will say is that when i get on the plane i have to keep in the back of my mind that the risks of anything happening are very remote, and i do find trying to relax and do gentle breathing exercises help me. Try reading a good book as that sometimes can help. Also i do like it when the drinks trolley comes round so i can have a couple of baileys to take my mind of flying lol! Just keep in the back of your mind that it is still the safest mode of transport.

HTH

luci

There's a long topic HERE with some good advice that has helped people in the past.

Do you have any idea why you suddenly felt the fear on your last flight such as a change of noise or turbulence? If you can identify the reason you may be able to overcome it.

Failing that, a trip to the GP who should be able to give you something to keep you calm for the flight.

Ibizavic

Hello, I am exactly the same as you. Last year we had such a terrible flight home from Majorca with really bad turbulence and it has made me really nervous of flying. I'm also quite claustrophobic and hate being squeezed into the tiny plane seats. I am off to Las Vegas next week and have one 8 1/2 hour flight to Philadelphia and another 5 1/2 hour flight on to Vegas and I am terrified!
Kalms are really good and I have started taking these this week so they will hopefully kick in by the time we go and Bach rescue remedy is also quite good. I think a couple of drinks before we depart will also be in order! I just keep telling myself that nothing will happen and it will be fine and trying to think of ways i can distract myself on the plane to try and relax like a puzzle book, reading a book, watching a movie etc.

Oldernotwiser

I haven't flown since the seventies because of a phobia about flying, despite taking very strong tranquillizers and a couple of series of hypnotherapy. Fortunately I've also had many fantastic holidays in Europe by taking the car or using trains/coaches.

I hope you get over your problem but, if not, you don't have to plan for years of holidays in Margate!

delwynshd

I hate flying too I dont think anything helps, I aint been on a plane in 3 years

My work has just booked my a flight to paris for november as part of a educational trip to Disney Land Paris. I just think it all comes down to being afraid of death I just have to get over it and go.

Being a travel agent its rediculous how many great holidays I miss out on

rome1067

The site that Luci mentioned is brilliant:T, I'm starting to feel a bit better already, although I might be different when I'm actually on a plane! There are postings from a pilot on there Rossj who explains lots of noises etc which has helped a lot.

I do freak out more if I hear a funny noise but the trouble is I don't actually know whether its funny or not as I'm not a pilot;) There are also the virgin videos on youtube from their fear of flying courses which are quite good and explain a lot.

I was very brave and watched video footage of a plane taking off that had herons sucked in to the engine. Although it was horrifying to see flames coming out of the engine I watched because someone had said it would make you understand how well the pilots cope with situations, and its true.

I did feel a lot better after that as it all seemed so calm and under control, I hope I can beat this by looking at it more positively, and having a better understanding of what is involved at take off/landing which are the worst times for me.

Oldernotwiser

delwynsholidaydeals wrote: »

Being a travel agent its rediculous how many great holidays I miss out on

That's the reason I left the travel industry; without being able to use the fringe benefits and go on educationals it wasn't a viable option.

Bogof_Babe

I'm off to New York on Thursday, and am trying to forget about what could go wrong and concentrate on the fab time we hope to have when we get there. I don't drink so will have to rely on willpower to keep me from getting in a panic.

I've just been sorting out a pile of Codeword puzzles, which always absorb me. Does anyone know if you are allowed to take a pen or pencil on board, or does it count as a potential weapon?

Oldernotwiser

Bogof_Babe wrote: »

I'm off to New York on Thursday, and am trying to forget about what could go wrong and concentrate on the fab time we hope to have when we get there. I don't drink so will have to rely on willpower to keep me from getting in a panic.

Most doctors will prescribe a couple of tranquillizers for the journey which you should find helpful as your condition isn't extreme.

Doomcow

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

I haven't flown since the seventies because of a phobia about flying, despite taking very strong tranquillizers and a couple of series of hypnotherapy. Fortunately I've also had many fantastic holidays in Europe by taking the car or using trains/coaches.

I hope you get over your problem but, if not, you don't have to plan for years of holidays in Margate!

i've flown on a plane a few times - to croatia / teneriffe / dublin / belfast, and still dont like it.

ive not tried tranqs or hypotherapy.

Oldernotwiser is right - you dont have to plan just local holidays - bear in mind we are living on an island and had one of the laregest empires in history, prior to flight being invented.

being on holiday isnt just about the location, its about the travel and getting to the location.

also, keep in mind, a land holiday is about £100 a day per person... you can get a cruise for the same price & theres no additional cost for food or on board entertainment.

frustrating that so many people think you cant go on, or have a good, holiday without flying - this is typical of the attitude of people nowadays who's main goal is life is to "do what i want" (without consideration for others)