Question for frequent flyers. I'm scared to fly!?

Question

I've flown many times in the past, but I haven't in about 7 or 8 years and I've developed a fear to fly out of nowhere. I'm flying from Minneapolis to Phoenix in November for a wedding and I'm afraid of having bad turbulence. My mom told me a story about how she was on a flight that had it so bad that a few people were actually throwing up in the barf bags. I cannot handle being around people when they get sick and I hate throwing up so bad. Now I'm all worried about flying. Does anyone have some reassuring words for me? And does anyone know what a flight is like from northern North America to southern North America in the fall time? Thanks!

Answer 1

my mom used to saginaw, michigan to tucson, az..

she says a book to read, and the best thing for take off (which is the worst) is peppermint candy hard!

that keeps your stomach settled, hand them out to everyone..

youll feel soo much better

hope that helps

Answer 2

Me too. It scares the h**l out of me. Theres no way something that heavy should be 30,000 feet above the ground. All the stats say it's one of the safest forms of travel but i've never fallen off my bike and burst into flames. Sorry this isn't helping much is it!!

Answer 3

I recommend ear plugs (in case you have a crying baby next to you).  Anyway, hope this helps...

    * Eat a nutritious meal before boarding to keep blood sugar levels even.

    * Get to the airport early, since rushing can contribute to nervousness.

    * If possible, meet your flight crew.

    * Watch the safety demonstration and study the emergency instruction in your seat pocket.

    * Pack a light snack. Seattle-based flying phobia therapist Robin Fay-McNair, MS, recommends "foods that make you feel like you're taking care of yourself."

    * Confide in a friendly seatmate. "Strangers are amazingly compassionate," Nigel says. "They'll go out of their way to distract you or put you at ease."

    * Drink enough water to prevent dehydration.

    * Avoid caffeine, diet pills, and over-the-counter cold/allergy medications containing decongestants. All are stimulants, and may contribute to a pounding heart, shortness of breath and nervousness.

    * Avoid alcohol and sedatives, since they may contribute to feelings of loss of control. Effects are difficult to predict during flight because of changes in altitude pressure.

    * Stay busy. Listen to soothing music, watch the in-flight movie, read a great book, or work. If safety conditions allow, stroll around the cabin.

    * Practice deep breathing exercises and relaxation techniques.

Answer 4

Hi,

I'm a travel agent and I travel a loooooot all year and when there are turbulences I still cry and pray and stuff, that will never go away....fear of flying will never go away

BUT, I set on my mind this is the safest and FASTEST way to get to your destination. I hate travelling by car or bus. just thinking that if I would need to travel from Minneapolis to Phoenix how long will take you in a car or bus 2 or 3 days?? sitting next to maybe a crying child or a crazy guy or a family of 10 or a pervert?? SO!! then I think I better sit on my butt, take the turbulence for 3 hours and I'm done with it.

My best recommendation will be either take the early early early in the morning flight...or the late late late flight.

that way if you woke up early in the morning to be at the airport by 5am then by the time you're at the plane you will only been thinking on taking a nap.

and if you're travelling late late night, just lay down and try to sleep

if you're not ok with people around you getting sick try to fly in a not so full flight (usually the ones early early early in the morning are pretty much empty) and get a seat on the back (most people like to be seated at the front or the closest seats to the front) tell me about it!!! so ask for a seat on the back (not a lot of people like to seat on the back) when you check-in at the counter ask if there's an empty row, that way you can kinda laydown in the whole row and you won't be disturbed, bring your ipod or a book or anything that will distract you and next thing you know you're falling to sleep.

Think about it.. is just 2 or 3 hours instead of 2 or 3 days in a bus... if you're bringing one of those portable dvd's bring a movie or 2 by the end of the second movie you're in your destination.

Hope this helps...good luck!!!

Answer 5

my dad told me one time when he was on a plane they were going over lake Michigan and the turbulence was so bad kids were bouncing up off there seats almost hitting the top of the plane and there mom was crying because the kids were but here some reassuring words you have a 1 in 11million chance of crashing you have a better chance of getting in a crash on the interstate wicth is 1 in 5000 or

like that but the airplane one is right ps fly midwest if you can and if your flight is after 10 in the morning you get 2 free gooey warm fresh chocoalatte chip cookies

Answer 6

I love to travel...but i mean if you think about it all it really comes down to is weather and i think around fall time YOU HAVE NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT. The weather in fall is pretty constant and tamed. Just think about all the shopping you have ahead of you and the new and different area :) I live in Canada so i cannot really say much about your flight and stuff. But just relax and try to think of the persons wedding and what to expect and youll be there in a breeze. Perhaps you havent seen this person in a long time. Think of things to say to him/her. Itll be great i promise :). Good Luck!

Answer 7

The odds of being killed on a single trip in an airliner is 1 out of every 52,600,000. The chances of dying in a car accident is 1 out of every 40,000. The chances of being killed from riding a bicycle is 1 out of every 4,919. This is over a one year period in the United States. You'll be okay. Pinky swear.

Answer 8

picture turbulence like when you're in a car and it hits potholes in the road, that's all it is. just keep yourself busy on the plane, bring an mp3 player, magazines, etc.  also avoid alcohol and caffeine the day before and the day of the flight.

Answer 9

hey don't worry! i can't stand seeing people getting sick, it makes me get sick also. thankfully, i haven't been on any flights where it was really bad, just a few bumps here and there. i'm actually flying from wisconsin to californina on friday, soo excited! and then spring break of 09, from chicago to spain!! but to help you, try wearing comfy clothes, maybe go to the mall and get some cute sweatpants and a matching sweatshirt, aeropostale always has those things, cheap, cute, and perfect for airplane travel! bring your ipod of mp3, load it with sweet songs. try brining a few snacks, if you start to feel a bit sick, try eating a small somthing. if you have one, bring a portable dvd player and watch a few movies. good luck with your flight!