ugh, I hate to fly... any advice?

[Anonymous]

We're flying with the kids to the west coast next week -- everyone is excited but me. I am dreading it. I just hate to fly, it makes me nervous and so worried. It's gotten worse since I had chlidren. Anyone have any words of wisdom? TIA...

[Anonymous]

Not really words of wisdom, just sympathy. Don't know how old your kids are or if they've flown before, but I can honestly say that if they are pretty small, you will probably be so focused on them you'll have less time to focus on how miserable and nervous you are. If they're a little older and can get excited about being on planes, then maybe some of that will rub off on you as you see things through their eyes.

Good luck. I'm sure it will go fine.

[Anonymous]

Have some alcohol and keep yourself busy on the flight.

[Anonymous]

Just remind yourself that every plane crash makes the news because they are so rare. About the same as the chance of being struck by lightening. I worry a bit too, but I think a little worry is normal. As long as you're not obsessing.

[Anonymous]

I often find it helpful in these situations to ask myself, "what is the worst case scenario?".

I guess the wing could shear off and the plane could fall out of the sky in a mass of burning aluminum.....

On second thoughts, maybe better not to imagine the worst case scenario. Perhaps just try to tell yourself that everything will be OK?

[Anonymous]

Here are some resources:

http://www.usatoday.com/travel/columnist/mcgee/2004-08-10-mcgee_x.htm

[Anonymous]

OP again, thanks everyone, I appreciate the advice and am actually feeling a little better... I am grateful.

[Anonymous]

A doctor told me that your body will not allow you to stay in a heightened state of panic for more than an hour. I am a fearful flyer and I have had to fly for work my whole career so I remember that and it gives me a weird peace because I think about "oh almost an hour" and then I seem to forget about 20 minutes in that I was nervous.

Also..don't know if you are religious but I once had someone give me a prayer that is supposed to bless you and everyone on the plane. I used to carry it with me on trips and now I have it memorized.

I clothe myself with a robe of light full of the love power and protection of the lord
Not just for my own safety but for the safety of all those who feel it or come in contact with it
So that all are circled by the love of god and are healed.

Good luck and have a good trip!

[Anonymous]

I always remember that you are most likely to crash on takeoff so once I make it through that I feel better.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I always remember that you are most likely to crash on takeoff so once I make it through that I feel better.

ditto! and then once the flight attendant comes around I get myself a glass of red wine and that relaxes me until landing.

I wonder if a study has ever been done as I never had an issue with flying until I was pregnant. It started with the first flight around my 5th week of pregnancy and it has never gone away. And I have heard other women tell me that they also were not at all freaked until they were pregnant. Hmmmmm???