Terrified of flying for the first time, what's it like?

DaveTheMus

ja89 wrote: »

I've never been on a plane before and I'm terrified. It's only a 2 hour flight, but I'm terrified I'll hate it and be stuck there for 2 hours. Can anyone tell me what to expect? Thanks

It's like being trapped in a huge airtight metal box, 1.5 miles in the air, travelling at 500 mph, surrounded by strangers and being kept in the air with two 'slightly used' turbines...enjoy

mountainofdebt

DaveTheMus wrote: »

It's like being trapped in a huge airtight metal box, 1.5 miles in the air, travelling at 500 mph, surrounded by strangers and being kept in the air with two 'slightly used' turbines...enjoy

but don't forget being part of a captive market for duty free, lottery tickets etc

Horace

Don't be terrified - see it as an adventure. Air travel is safer than crossing the road. Were you terrified the first time you sat in a car or got on a train? Most likely not - a plane is no different it is just another means of transport.

As the plane prepares to take off the stewards(esses) will be going through the safety procedures - these are interesting as they explain what will happen in case of an emergency.

The plane gathers speed and then lifts off - as it rises then the pressure will change, hence the need to suck a boiled sweet (buy these airside) and your ears will feel better. Drink plenty of water - alcohol with dehydrate you and is more potent when you are flying. Move about in your seat, get up and walk about. Make sure you move your legs as sitting in cramped position can be bad for you.

Flying can be fun so instead of getting worked up - go and enjoy your holiday and the flight.

Idiophreak

mountainofdebt wrote: »

but don't forget being part of a captive market for duty free, lottery tickets etc

"Do you want any duty free?"
"No thanks".

You're right. It's torture.

Gloomendoom

Georgiegirl256 wrote: »

Turbulence was really bad on our last flight to Vegas. As we were coming in to land, it was really bumpy....everyone gave the pilot a round of applause when we finally landed!

I was on a plane recently where somebody started clapping just after we landed.

Nobody else joined in.

sax11

not sure on the 'being on a coach' part - i get travel sick so can't read while moving
i might get on a plane one day

zenmaster

tesuhoha wrote: »

I read once that you have more chance of being killed by a donkey than you have in a plane crash. Oddly enough I found this statistic reassuring whenever I have been on an aeroplane

Presumably not so when you come across a donkey with a mean stare?

I like to imagine that I am flying the plane (I imagine it like driving a car). I'm in control of steering and acceleration.

It's amazing how often the pilot (or possibly me) gets it wrong.