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Afraid of riding an airplane... how do I get myself psyched?

M

MoodyMedStudent

macrumors member
Original poster
Feb 16, 2011
98
0
Ontario, Canada
So I've always had this irrational fear about flying... you know, the dreaded feeling that something is going to go wrong. I have to catch an international flight from Canada to China this summer and was wondering if anyone has any words of advice on how to "make peace" with it. Thanks.
 
A couple drinks before, a melatonin for the flight, a drink when you board, sleep through most of it. No problem.
 
Not sure there will be any way to "make peace". Other then to just do it. Known some people that have had the same problem with flying. The way that helped them was to just do it. They still have fear, but not as much as before. I wish you the best. I am sure there are others here that can help more. I have never had a fear of flying. But I did have a fear of heights when I was younger. The way I got over it was to rock climb. And now I have no fear at all. But that may not work for everyone.
 
My advice is to try to read during take-off or do anything else that will keep your mind off things until the plane stabilizes.

Other than that, you just have to confront your fears. If you can, try to express your fears and then use a rational thought process to remind yourself that your fears aren't really likely to happen. It won't make you less scared when it comes down to it, but repeating the logical process to yourself can help you stay calm and focused.
 
I don't share your fear, but I do understand it. I've come to really enjoy flying, but the thought of a large fiery explosion usually crosses my mind. :eek: :p

When you arrive at the airport, take a good look around. Examine the people surrounding you. I've always taken solace in how relaxed everyone appears; if no one else is worrying, it's much easier to dismiss my own apprehension given how nonchalant everyone is... as if this happens every day of the year (hint: it does ;)).

Speaking as an oddball who enjoys turbulence, it's uncanny how smooth flights are these days. :mad: :D Takeoff is rather enjoyable; embrace it. :) ...The rest is boring.

And don't forget a good book. ...And to have a fantastic trip. I'm jealous.
 
Legion93 said:
The chances of surviving in a car crash is higher than on a plane.
Click to expand...

So even though there are thousands of LETHAL car crashes every day, you would ignore the statistics based on something as rare as plane crashes, which is less than 1 every few years if you talk about only commercial planes.

ALSO, your chance of fatality in a plane crash if it did crash is 1 in 5.

If it makes you feel better I was freaked out my first time on a plane, but statistics don't lie, and I have never had an issue flying in well over a decade.
 
Dalton63841 said:
So even though there are thousands of LETHAL car crashes every day, you would ignore the statistics based on something as rare as plane crashes, which is less than 1 every few years if you talk about only commercial planes.

ALSO, your chance of fatality in a plane crash if it did crash is 1 in 5.

If it makes you feel better I was freaked out my first time on a plane, but statistics don't lie, and I have never had an issue flying in well over a decade.
Click to expand...

I agree, if and when plane crashes occur, they are mostly fatal accidents, however common car crashes may be, the chances of surviving is more. You don't expect to survive after a dreary plane crash do you? I've been in 4 car accidents and survived them with little to minor injuries, if it were on a plane, I would most likely not have survived it. You're conflating two different issues, one question is are car crashes more common than planes? (which is a big yes) and second question is which accident is more fatal? (A plane crash).
 
Above are some good post. I put off flying forever until recently. I was always scared myself.

After flying, I hated I waited so long. It's pretty cool and I enjoy it now. I can see how a long flight can be pretty boring though. It blows my mind at how many people sleeps on the plane. Even on short flights and through turbulence. Must be some tired people in the world.

Anyways, grab some good magazines and maybe some movies for the laptop. Sit back and relax. Enjoy your trip! It's really nothing to flying.
 
Big D 51 said:
Above are some good post. I put off flying forever until recently. I was always scared myself.

After flying, I hated I waited so long. It's pretty cool and I enjoy it now. I can see how a long flight can be pretty boring though. It blows my mind at how many people sleeps on the plane. Even on short flights and through turbulence. Must be some tired people in the world.

Anyways, grab some good magazines and maybe some movies for the laptop. Sit back and relax. Enjoy your trip! It's really nothing to flying.
Click to expand...

Grab some porn magazines and be done with it :d
 
If you truly want to rid yourself of this fear- go skydiving. I'm not kidding. I did it for three summers. It will get you over that fear very quickly.
 
I hate flying and I've flown lots of times. I can't sleep for more than 2 hours while flying, even when in a private jet with extremely comfortable seats. What gets me by every time is good entertaining movies, ipad preloaded with lots of games and relaxing music.

I would skip the alcohol if alcohol effect your sleep. It might help you, but it might make you feel like crap.
 
Legion93 said:
Unfortunately the plane's toilet facilities are always occupied when I want to visit them. Never says vacant. Damn all those magazines I bought and needed someplace private to keep myself calm and relaxed.
Click to expand...

They are probably all occupied by people keeping themselves "calm and relaxed" with their magazines :rolleyes:
 
I've found that a good, thorough groping of my private areas helps me relax before a flight. Now, if there was only someone at the airport ready to do that for you, free of charge....
 
Pack some of your favorite snacks. Reward yourself upon getting on the plane, then during th flight, then at the end. Also buy yourself a cool game you have wanted/ good album/ solid movie.

Also, working out before the flight (morning) will help reduce stress levels. Be sure to pack Dramamine in case you get nauseous. Ear plugs (foam) are great if you want to sleep or read without distraction.
 
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