I won a trip to Hawaii and am super excited about it, but I am absolutely terrified to fly.

Question

Even walking into an airport gives me an anxiety attack. I am too young for drinks, so that's out. It's not the scare of crashing that freaks me out. It's the speed. I'm scared of going fast, I don't even like accelerating cars. It's the height. It's the claustrophobia. Some don't understand, but I won't have anyplace to go if I get scared, thus the feeling of being trapped, thus the claustrophobia.

Answer 1

There's nothing wrong with being scared of flying, but seriously, there is nothing to worry about. If you are feeling a little claustrophobic then make sure you get an aisle seat and if you want to walk around then feel free to do so and go do some stretches in the back of the plane. There is nothing to be scared of.

Answer 2

Just relax and remember that thousands of folks do this every day.  Worrying doesn't help anything, and just makes you feel crappy.

You could also try some Kava, or if you have access, some sort of Valium or something.  I used to be terrified of flying and when I was a buyer I had to fly for work.  Nothing like showing up at Noon for a press check half drunk from the plane ride.  I had to learn to deal with it by focusing on pleasant things and trying to stay relaxed.  Once you've flown a couple times you'll probably get over it.  Flying is still not my favorite thing, but I bring a really engaging book and crossword puzzles and try to just enjoy the view.

Answer 3

Your car is at least 100 times more dangerous than the plane.  Your fear, although understandable, is irrational.  A plane is a far safer place to be than many situations you put yourself in everyday.



I personally prefer a window seat.  I like to be able to see where I am going.  It is also cool to look down at the ground from that perspective (Towns, rivers, lakes, etc.)  On a recent trip the Sears tower looked like it was an inch tall, and I could see Churchill Downs when we flew over Louisville.  Very cool!

Answer 4

If you don't overcome this fear now, then you will have a hard time traveling to distant places.  

Answer 5

To me, it feels like riding on a Greyhound bus, but safer!!  Good luck!  :)

Answer 6

Xanax is your new best friend. Go to your doctor and tell him about your anxiety. I assume if you won the trip then you are over 18 so I hope I'm not encouraging a minor to take xanax but if the doctor can prescribe it for you then you're good. I know some people with the same fear of flying as you and this really calms them down. This is something I've taken before for anxiety. I like it because it isn't something I can have to take every day to feel the effects like some anti-depressants or anti-anxiety medicines. I can take it when I feel nervous and it takes the edge off. Talk to your doctor about it. Oh, and ENJOY YOUR TRIP :-)

Answer 7

Try sleeping, or closing your eyes and pretending that you're somewhere else. If you're extremely petrified of planes, then you can always sell it to someone.

Sorry, I have had no experience with claustrophobics before. Good luck!

Answer 8

really, air travel is the best and most luxurious way for me to travel. In an aircraft, there's really nothing to fear. There are flight attendants trying their very best to please you. There is this on board entertainments to get you occupied. If this still wont release your anxiety, try walking around and stretching your feet. If you feel like none of these won't help, visit your doctor for medications but i really think that medication is not at all necessary. In a plane, you really won't notice the speed. You can only feel it during take-offs and landings.

Hope you'll have a great stay in Hawaii!

BON VOYAGE!

Answer 9

I have the same problem and an hour before my flight i took dramamine it helps motion sickness you can find it at most drug stores. and i know it is expensive buit if you get first class there is more room for you where you sit and you wont feel so claustrophbic. and if you bring your ipod or MP3 and try to dround out the sound then fall asleep. that can help alot. but if you don't go on a direct flight then you will have stops along the way and breaks so you can breeth. Have fun on your trip

hth

-sami

Answer 10

Altough it may be going very fast, You REALLY dont notice it.