Fear Of Flying

[fruitsalad]

I have never let it stop me from holidaying abroad, but I haven't been for quite some time, I am due to go to Spain early April and already my stomach flips everytime I think about the flight, so instead of looking forward to my holiday, I am just getting anxious, any tips please.

[DTCwordfan]

Alcohol ad plenty of it.
or
Go overland both for the 'aller et retour' and enjoy some really good auberges and paradors/pousadas with excellent food and vino.

[Tilly2]

What is it that frightens you, Fruitsalad?

[Bazile]

^Fear of something going wrong , I would guess

[Tilly2]

I'm trying to be helpful, Bazile.

[DTCwordfan]

statistically, more chance of being hit by a bus than an air crash.

Mate of mine's mother had such a fear and was eventually persuaded to fly from Luton, living near there. They boarded and didn't even make the main runway, the plane skidding on taxiing out to it. Out with all the emergency chutes - and she didn't go back!

[andy-hughes]

I would speak to your GP.

Two milligrams of Diazepam or similar will relax you enough for the flight, but not knock you out so you can't function.

Effects are gone within twenty-four hours.

[roadman]

sure that is great help dtcwordfan oh dear i am also scared of flying i think the best thing to do for me is to just suck it up because it always goes ok once you are there then it is ok and be thankful that it is in April so it wont be icy on the runway no skidding maybe a doctor could prescribe something but i always try to naturally sleep on the aeroplane

[andy-hughes]

DTC - //
statistically, more chance of being hit by a bus than an air crash. //

Statistically more chance of being kicked to death by a donkey.

But statistics don't work on phobias, which are, by definition, irrational fears, and as such, do not respond to simple logic.

[calmck]

BA used to offer a course for nervous fliers. It always got good reviews. Do not use alcohol! What airline are you flying they might also offer assistance

[calmck]

You could also take one of the ferries to Santander and drive to where you are going

[roadman]

i dont live near any donkeys so for me statistically i would more likely be hit by a bus lots of variables with these statistics and the bus vs aeroplane one is the best one yet poor people ride the bus rich people fly in planes and i think there is deeper meaning there is a pilot more likely to be hit by a bus as well or is this for the average joe

[Canary42]

Forget the anxiety, and tell everyone about the time Canary actually tried to get an Alitalia flight from Rome to turn back because of (imagined?) suspicious behaviour spotted at Rome airport. Having been reassured (!) by one of the flight deck crew who was summoned by a stewardess, I then imbibed some "curative" alcoholic refreshment. There then followed the embarrassing experience of thanking and bidding the crew farewell at the plane exit, on our safe arrival at Heathrow.
My excuse was that at the time an Italian ship had been hi-jacked by terrorists in the Med, and also my emotional status was a bit fragile as I had visited my Dad's War Grave in Rome Military Cemetery for the first time. I can laugh about it now :-D

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Achille_Lauro_hijacking

[gingejbee]

My tip...don't fly. Although we've had many trips abroad that have necessitated flying (Canada, USA, USSR etc.), our most recent (and very enjoyable)trips have been by train (South of France, Switzerland, Germany etc) where the travelling becomes an enjoyable part of the holiday.

[douglas9401]

I tried driving to Spain once but those stubborn foreigners insisted on driving on the wrong side of the road making it the journey from hell.
Avoiding head-on collisions for hours at a time is quite wearing.

What's wrong with these people?

[ToraToraTora]

I don't subscribe to the general belittling of those afraid of flying, it's not "irrational", planes do crash and when they do everyone normally dies. Now the stats argument is valid, yes you have more chance of getting struck by lightening that dying in a plane crash but that is cold comfort when that number does come up. I'm not entirely comfortable myself but I just ignore the chance of death and comfort myself with the maths side of it. I have no real practical advice fruitsalad but just have some drinks and forget about it, the maths has already decreed that you are pretty close to certain to survive. Do not miss these opportunities because of a small mathematical chance.

[ToraToraTora]

FWIW it's a lot safer that walking, cycling, driving, train, etc

[Prudie]

I am the same as you, it's turbulence that gets me. I assume your flight is booked so no alternative means of travel nor time to get on a course. The stats don't really help an irrational fear. Personally I'd have one stiff drink before boarding. I like a window seat because the views are very distracting and often fabulous. It's only a couple of hours to Spain. I also listen to loud music on an ipod and shut my eyes tight during any panicky feelings. When those wheels touchdown on landing in Spain you will experience a rush of joy. Well I do anyway, makes it all worthwhile.

[Bazile]

I suppose when you look at an air bus A380, you have to wonder what's holding it up there .

But then the chances of an incident is as the stats says , small

[Canary42]

/// TTT: I don't subscribe to the general belittling of those afraid of flying ///

At the risk of causing TTT some distress, I totally agree with him here (2nd time this month, LOL). Phobias are very difficult to overcome.

[ToraToraTora]

19:29, I need a lie down!