Fear of flying - Page 2

GCR18 · ‎07-03-2013

I'm a white knuckle flyer, but I go. I get myself all worked up with every little bump. One day I looked around the plane and everyone was talking, reading, etc. Seemed I was the only one freaked out. Some how that gives me comfort. I've traveled quite a bit for work, but it's always like it was the first time.

Lucky Charm · ‎03-09-2010

We fly almost once a month. I could never fly alone.

Too much, go here, go there, get in this line, show them this. Take off this, don't do that.

I just follow my husband's lead.

That said, I developed a claustrophia of sorts. I have to sit in the front row. (SW doesn't have business class section). Just business class. It's the first 15 seats.

I can't look at the back of the plane ever. Too many seats, too many heads. I can't pay attention to the people boarding after me with their huge suitcases (carryons pfft). I have to zone out.

We went to a wedding in Chicago the weekend before Christmas. I talked to the woman next to me the whole flight about......QVC.

Shelbelle · ‎03-09-2010

I totally understand, we have not flown since 1979. And now for sure we will not be flying. I do feel bad that we will miss out on seeing so much of the great big world. My adult kids fly all the time.

hoosieroriginal · ‎03-04-2012

I'm not fearful - just don't want to deal with crowded planes, unruly people and delays - I used to fly a lot by myself, now I stay closer to home.

MacDUFF · ‎05-29-2015

I'm sure most of you have heard this one: "I'm not afraid of flying, I'm afraid of crashing." Yep. I never enjoyed flying even in my more adventurous youth...rarely flew if I could help it...give me a road trip any day. The last time I flew was Oct of 2001. I hope to never have to go near an airport or in an airplane ever again.

~~~ I call dibs on the popcorn concession!! ~~~

Yahooey · ‎07-09-2010

This is not directed at the ones that have a fear of flying but rather don't fly because of annoyances. No one likes cramped seats, long lines, no food and the list goes on and on. Flying isn't fun - period.

I look at it this way - it is not the flight - it is the destination I'm trying to get to. I want to lie on the beach or have a cappucino at St Mark's Square.

Flying for business is terrible. I remember I used to fly to Chattanooga and return the same day. 4 hrs there - of course there is no direct flight. Stay there for 2-3 hours and 4 hours back. Go back to the office the next day. Yuck

Burnsite · ‎03-10-2010

The inconvenience and discomfort of flying these days is one thing.

A phobia about flying is quite different.

Small upgrades can make flights more comfortable if you want them, but being terrified of getting on a plane will mean you miss a lot.

Everyone is different. My sister, who is also my best friend, also absolutely won't fly though she is a fearless driver. I had this phobia after a few scary flights during the 1980s, and I cured it only by flying every chance I could. I read a book about phobias that suggested you can desensitize yourself just by repetition.

It also said that fear of flying will tend to increase after two years of not flying. It's partly a matter of habit.

Once you look the phobia in the eye and fly, repeatedly, the fear will gradually, bit by bit, lose its grip on you.

You're still packed in like a sardine and being xrayed way more than is healthy--but statistically, airline travel (over 500 miles) is much, much safer than either driving or taking a train.

Witchywoman, if you just don't want to fly, then of course that's one thing. If you would like to but are scared. . . here is what worked for me. Take every chance you can to fly. If you look nervous to everyone, don't be embarassed. Just live through flying often, and the terror factor will slowly go away.

Irritation at airport delays, rude security guards, and ridiculously uncomfortable seats remain, but the freak-out potential goes away.

Incidentally, my last flight was on Iceland Air, which was no-frills and yet the comfort of their seats was (while nothing fancy) still a bit better than seats on other airlines I have flown to Europe, including British Air and Air France.

ladyroxanne · ‎03-09-2010

@Lucky Charm

i can identify with your post. i also have to sit up front or in first class. can never sit in the back or even look back there. i usually take something so that i sleep the whole flight and wake up when we arrive. it's much easier for me that way.

Tinkrbl44 · ‎08-23-2010

@Witchy Woman

Witchy, I read your post twice and am a little fuzzy on what causes the fear ...... the actual boarding of the plane, or being up in the air ..... or what? Did it come on suddenly, or was it the result of a bad flight (turbulence)?

Well, if you don't have to leave the country, I guess you can always drive or take a train.

AliJoi5 · ‎03-10-2010

Don't feel bad @Witchy Woman! At least you had some fearless, carefree flying days!! lol I have always been terrified since I was little. It's not so much that I think we will take a nose dive, but the problem is that I'm rather claustrophobic. I'm ok on any flight maybe 4 hours long or less, but above that... bring on the drugs! Ativan has been a big help for me with flying. You need only a very small dosage and I do not experience any side effects. I only take it for flying. It just takes the edge off.

But listen, flying aside, I feel your pain! I find as I'm getting older, I fear things I never did when I was younger. I was a wild child!! I'm sure that's a natural progression, but I also believe it has something to do with the times we live in. Scary times babe!