topic Re: Uneasy Flyer in Community Chat

Uneasy Flyer

I am still oxox — Sun, 17 Mar 2019 12:06:32 GMT

I should probably post this is travel but I think I will get more answers here.

Leaving later this week and we have a 3 1/2 hour flight to our destination

I am okish once I get on the plane, but it it the hours and the days before that I obsess over everything including packing.

About 10 days out I make lists and lists.

I make sure that I have exactly everything needed and if I don't holy heck

I somehow think my negative thoughts are going to influnce the plane

I know this is not normal but I can not seem to control it.

Kind words would be appreciated.

Thank you all

Re: Uneasy Flyer

FranandZoe — Sun, 17 Mar 2019 12:14:56 GMT

Well I don't know about being normal but I'm the same way. I'm a nervous wreck basically from the time we book the flights - sometimes six months ahead. I worry about keeping my house spotless, keeping all the clothes washed and ironed, having everything I need for the trip. I keep a "master" list and make copies as each trip comes up. Then I add to it as needed. I organize everything that I'm packing about a week before too. I hate to pack. We were supposed to be leaving for Florida today but due to an accident my hubby had we cancelled. I'm actually so glad. I'm always so worried about leaving my two cats too even tho we have a great kitty-sitter in my step-son. I miss them so much when we're gone. It's funny but I'm the same way - just fine - once we're headed to the airport. Not too nervous about actual flying altho I do pray and I wear a lucky coin necklace. I don't fly without it.

Since I'm worse than you I know I'm not making you feel better. Just have a great trip and know that you're not alone.

Re: Uneasy Flyer

FrostyBabe1 — Sun, 17 Mar 2019 12:17:56 GMT

The risk of being involved in an automobile accident on the way to the airport is far, far greater than that of being involved in an aviation incident. I’ve flown well over a million butt-in-seat miles and have never, ever had an incident. Delays, a few cancellations, schedule changes, yes. But that’s it.

All of the OCD list making, checking and rechecking only serves to make you more anxious. If you truly need to make a packing list, fine. Some people do. I don’t. The best thing you can do is keep yourself busy doing something other than travel prep.

I’ve seen lots of posts where people drug themselves to fly and I personally think it’s a horrible idea. Load a meditation or relaxation app on your phone and listen to that (with headphones, of course) once you are on board.

Re: Uneasy Flyer

godi — Sun, 17 Mar 2019 12:25:24 GMT

I stress also. I have lists and reworked lists. My DH always says if we forget something it’s not like we can’t buy it. He’s right but the perfectionist I am has to always have it all packed. I don’t worry about the flight till the day before, I check constantly if it’s on time etc. I think travel is stressful on a lot of people but in different ways. Just know in the end you will get where your going when you get there and then relax and enjoy your time away. ❤️

Re: Uneasy Flyer

FranandZoe — Sun, 17 Mar 2019 12:26:34 GMT

Re drugs or alcohol - I always say I want to be stone cold sober with my wits about me when I crash. Just kidding of course.

I know the stats - I think it's something about not being in control of the plane myself. I dunno. I've been flying for 40 years - at least once a years and sometimes twice - I can't help how I feel.

Re: Uneasy Flyer

Witchy Woman — Sun, 17 Mar 2019 12:35:41 GMT

@I am still oxox

What's not normal about it?

You are not alone in your feelings.

As a young woman, I was enthralled with flying. Took ground school and some flight lessons. I understand how flight works! In my 20s, I applied for a job as a flight attendent with American (didn't get it). I've dated commercial pilots who assured me it was safer than driving.

And yet, I feel just as you do. Even the thought of having to book a flight sets me off. The rare times I fly, it is white knuckle during takeoff and landing. And, I don't like a lot of activity in the plane!

I've learned there is no cure for this other than just gritting my teeth and getting through it. Some recommend drinks or relaxers, but....it's never worked for me. I just feel anxious through the fog

I have no words of wisdom, but I do understand.

Re: Uneasy Flyer

Vivian — Sun, 17 Mar 2019 12:45:13 GMT

One of my daughters loves to travel but hates to fly. She tried psychological counseling but it didn’t work. She finally went to her family doctor who prescribed Xanax. She takes just one pill before each flight. She flies about three times a year so she is OK with the meds.

Re: Uneasy Flyer

kaydee50 — Sun, 17 Mar 2019 12:51:45 GMT

No matter how many trips I've taken over the past 40+ years I still get anxious in the days before leaving. I've learned however that the only things I really need are a passport and a credit card. Everything else I might need can be purchased regardless of where I'm traveling. That's helps me a bit!!!

I do keep a list of all the toiletries and medicines I might need and check it off as I pack.

I don't relax until I'm on the plane.

Re: Uneasy Flyer

hayseed00 — Sun, 17 Mar 2019 12:52:25 GMT

@I am still oxoxHave a wonderful and safe trip. I'm just like you, my husband tells me he never has to worry about anything because I worry enough for both of us.

Re: Uneasy Flyer

scatcat — Sun, 17 Mar 2019 13:13:30 GMT

If you forget anything - buy it when you land.

Your 3rd line from the bottom explains your dilemma in a nutshell. “I cannot seem to control it”.

That’s the fear of many flyers - lack of control.

2000 flights take off and land from OHare a day. That’s 1 airport. This should put into perspective how safe air travel is

Re: Uneasy Flyer

jackthebear — Sun, 17 Mar 2019 13:28:12 GMT

making lists is very sensible we always do that when we go away.

I hate flying so I can't help you there

Re: Uneasy Flyer

Little Way — Sun, 17 Mar 2019 13:28:23 GMT

Don't beat yourself up and say your listmaking is not normal. Making lists and being concerned about travel is smart. You are trying to minimize any issues that might come up.

Just accept that sometimes things get forgotten or arrangements get changed. Things go awry. As long as you have your personal identification, cash, credit cards you are set. Make sure you have medications and eyeglasses - and even those things can be relatively easy to purchase far from home these days.

Make sure you have a neighbor, friend, or handyman available to check on your house if something comes up when you are away. That is what I find most stressful about travel: I worry about my dogs, (when I don't bring them with me) and house. The travel I enjoy the most sadly is when my husband remains at home because I trust him the most to take care of everything! So it isn't just you who worries excessively. (Oh, and I make my lists much further than 10 days out!)

I find it is helpful to save these types of packing lists you are making. Put them in a file, so you have something to refer to for the next trip. When I travel I also take notes of things to do to tweak my packing and travel arrangements so things go even better for the next trip.

Re: Uneasy Flyer

I am still oxox — Sun, 17 Mar 2019 13:30:27 GMT

Thank you all and a big hug, this makes me feel totally calm,

Re: Uneasy Flyer

songbird — Sun, 17 Mar 2019 14:04:16 GMT

I am a nervous flyer.. I'm always like that before flying. Frantically running around the house, making sure the pets will be OK to the pet sitter, My clothes, etc. Take offs and landings are the worst. But once in the air, I'm OK.

Re: Uneasy Flyer

Susan-QVC — Sun, 17 Mar 2019 14:25:50 GMT

This post has been removed by QVC offensive

Re: Uneasy Flyer

GCR18 — Sun, 17 Mar 2019 14:35:07 GMT

I've flown more times than I can count, but still can't shake that feeling. What keeps me in control is preparation. You have your list. Review it one more time, then pack and put the suitcase by the door or in the car. That's it, no more opening it. Pack your carryon and take out what you are going to wear on travel day. Whatever you can't put in the carryon at the moment, write a note and put it next to the bag. Don't plan to do anything the day before you leave. Run the errands, confirming this or that, etc. earlier in the week. If you can pull that off, you will feel very little stress on go day.

Re: Uneasy Flyer

Greeneyedlady21 — Sun, 17 Mar 2019 14:46:46 GMT

Anyone who "drugs themselves" to fly shouldn't be judged for that. I was prescribed Xanax for that purpose by a medical professional. Who takes it herself for that purpose. I took half the dose each way. Ended up necessary as I was stuck in the airport for eight hours trying to get home because of multiple flight delays.

I suffer from mental health issues because of events and people in my life and I'm on necessary medication for those . People with mental health issues are so judged by some people on these forums. Called names they shouldn't be called either. I'm so tired of it, frankly. They are medical issues that shouldn't be judged. Walk a mile in someone else's shoes, perhaps.

Re: Uneasy Flyer

Greeneyedlady21 — Sun, 17 Mar 2019 15:05:44 GMT

Not anyone's place to say what is "normal" either. Sensitivity and compassion and empathy-that's what's normal in my eyes.