I am scared of flying on the plane?

Question

Im leaving next friday on vacation and Im kind of anxious about flying, even more after 9/11. I mean anything can happen, run out of fuel, terrorists, bad weather, something breaks while we fly, just random things like that.

I am so nervous and worried about it.

Any advice? Are you scared too or no?

Answer 1

To put it very simply, like all phobias or fears, you are simply...

afraid of what your mind  TELLS  yourself will happen.

Pay attention to that.  Because you are not looking at facts.  If you were, you would never drive a car, go on vacation in summer, clean your house, or go swimming.  Yes, you have a higher chance of death in all the previous mentioned items than in flying commercially.

Why are you feeling this way???  Easy... a lack of control and understanding.  Firstly, when we drive a car, we have a perceived level of control.  Some feel very confident, some less.  But in reality, confidence doesn't make that much of a difference in outcome.   Most accidents are just that... accidents.  There are more controls on a plane and in the airports than anywhere else.  

If you are one who loves data (like me, a scientist), you can read technical books on airline phobia.  They actually are very cool.  They describe the plane as flying on "columns of  air"... where it is physically not so easy to just "drop down".   I also felt more relaxed when I had explained to me the phenomenon of the "rise and dip" I have felt on various takeoffs...   It is very common where there is a noise ordinance.  The jet rises then dips upon the take-off.  If you did not know this, it could be quite frightening.  Check out a fear of flying book...preferably written by a pilot.

Cindy

Answer 2

Dont be scared :)

My first time flying, I was really nervous but the flight  was really enjoyable and i liked it  a lot especially during take-off and landing

Did you know that Air Travel is the safest way and the best way to travel these days even if it could be more expensive??

My advice is, for safety why not just have faith with God and pray to him for a safe and smooth trip..

And as technology rises on, airport security are becoming more efficient and airports now are secure unlike before..

During your flight, just distract yourself by talking to your seatmate or use the IFE?? Probably read a book or a magazine? listen to your ipod?

so, dont worry about it.. everything will be alright.. :)

good luck and its ok to get nervous if its your first time.. :)

Answer 3

YES IM SO AFRAID

OH MY OH MY

OH NO WHAT WILL I EVER DO?

Terrorist on the plane?!  Run out of gas?

What if i get off the plane, cross the street, and get hit by a car? I'll never cross streets!

what if I dial a number on my cell phone, and my cell phone battery explodes? I'll never use my cell phone!

what if I drink this tap water, and it contains lead? I'll never drink water!

what if I go to school, and it'll be another Virginia Tech? I should never go to school!

what if I go driving, and I hit someone? I should never drive!

what if I go deposit my check at the bank, and it gets robbed?

what if I sit down on this chair, and it breaks?

what if I eat this food at the restaurant, and it contains E. Coli?

Answer 4

I'm pretty sure there are a lot of other people thinking just the same thing you are right now. You don't have to be anxious. Millions and millions of people all around the world fly and nothing's happened. Ever since 9/11, America learned from its mistakes and made airport security tighter than ever, so you don't have anything to worry about.

Planes running out of fuel is very very very x 1837million rare. Most planes have more fuel than needed to reach their destination.

If there were to be very bad weather, then the ride would be delayed. If it's just rain/lightning/turbulence, then it's most likely fine.

I can assure you, nothing will break off while you fly. That is very closely inspected and plane companies make quality their top priorities.

Terrorists... Relax, that's being a bit too paranoid. With the airport security and their strict rules, terrorists or weapons don't get by.

Just relax and enjoy the flight. Think of all the fun you'll get from your vacation! Have a great time!

Answer 5

Me too!!! All I did was eat some sleeping pills and go to sleep. So even if the plane crashes I won't feel anything xD!

Answer 6

I was scared at first when we were going through turbulance, but it was all good.

The flight attendents make sure everyone is sitting down when you're supposed to.

But my advice is just chew some gum when you're taking off so your ears won't pop.

I'm sure everything will be okay and have a safe flight: )

Answer 7

Ive got a flight tomorrow at 8:45 to PR. And dont worry, its my 3rd time being in a plane, and to me it was so cool. Just remember that you rarely hear that a plane crashes, and hundreds of planes fly everyday so theres nuthin to worry about. My flight was very smooth even wen taking off, and  its cool looking at the land u pass by. But dont worry about it its a peice of cake

Answer 8

Your plane today is no more likely to be hijacked by terrorists than before 9/11 happened. If anything, it will be less likely with improved security measures. You're just as likely to die from being hit by the debris of a plane crash while on the ground as you are to die in a plane crash. You're more likely to get into a car accident than a crash or debris.

The plane will be refueled before you take off and it will be checked over to make sure no repairs are necessary and nothing is in danger of breaking.

If the pilot sees a thunderstorms forming in the distance, they will fly around it it and not over it or through it. If the weather predictions are bad, they will ground the flight and not let it fly in the direction of that weather.

I was really nervous about flying, but my boyfriend lives on the other side of the country so I made myself do it. I've been on a few planes over the past two years or so and each time I feel a bit less nervous.

Taking off, expect the plane to shake and vibrate. Expect a decent amount of turbulence until you are up in the air and level. There will periodically be turbulence. My first time flying, every time the plane shook I got scared and would ask the person next to me if it was normal.

I suggest you get an aisle seat or pull down the shade so you don't have to look out the window unless you want to. I think you should look out at some point because it looks so cool though. I love window seats now.

Bring something to entertain yourself with. An iPod, book, etc. also try to sleep. It will make the time go by faster and you'll even forget you're miles above the ground if the ride is smooth for a while.

I think it's great that you're overcoming your fear and getting on a plane. It was really good for me to go ahead and do it and I hope it will be for you too. Good luck next Friday!

Answer 9

well i was 18 with a 10 month old baby the first time i got on a plane of course it was easy for me thought cause i had to be strong for her but my advice for u is to get a pack of gum and a gameboy or psp or crossword book or something like that it will keeps ur mind off whats going on and u wont be nervous and in keeping ur mind off it it will go by faster than u think