I Hate to Fly!

Updated on July 19, 2017
G.T. asks from Canton, MA
8 answers

I am going on a trip with my 2 girls, ages 9 and 6 in a couple of weeks.
I have flown with them before.
But I would still like some advice.
I HATE to fly.
I just hate it.
I am afraid of everything about it.
I have been on planes hundreds of times - my father even used to work for the airlines of all things!
My mother was afraid to fly, and I don't want my kids to be afraid to fly. I don't want to keep passing it on.
I'll tell you though I LOATHE it. Turbulence makes me crazy.
Flying is one of my biggest fears.
I'm flying from MA to NC, so it is not a long flight - about 2.5 hrs. (And about 2.5 hours too long!)
Any advice for me? How to relax?
I'm pretty good at faking it in front of the kids, but if anyone has any advice, I'd love to hear it.
I even took one of the Fear of Flying courses, and well, I'm still afraid to fly!

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M.G.

answers from Portland on

I worked with a woman who used to take an anti anxiety pill before flying. She had to fly for work.

She didn't normally take anti anxiety pills. She just had some prescribed for flying.

There are anti-anxiety techniques (breathing, etc.) to try but the way you describe it, I'm guessing this is beyond that.

I have known people who have a drink to relax.

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S.B.

answers from Houston on

I don't like flying as well. I have almost had panic attacks on a couple of flights. It was bad. My poor husband had no idea I had gotten that bad! I have flown a lot this year so I'm better. I think when I fly more my fear goes down but its still there. I have been flying since I was nine months old. I'm 53. I'm am also afraid of heights. Not sure if that plays into this but whatever. The fear is real!!! I just refuse to let it rule me and I am not going to stop traveling (going to Ireland in September!!)

What I have found to help is putting earbuds in and listening to music. My husband thinks I should get some Bose's noise cancel headphones. Not sure about those but again I do find listening to music helps. Sometimes I listen to Def Lepard or Dierks Bentley. It helps relax me and I don't hear the engines. Also drinking alcohol helps. =)

2 moms found this helpful
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D..

answers from Miami on

If you ask your doctor for some help, I'm sure he or she will give you something. Just make sure that you take it at home a few days before to see how you tolerate it. And figure out how long it takes to kick in so that you know when to take it. If you're driving to the airport, you don't want to be driving after you've taken the pill. You also have to be able to take care of your children and get to your destination once you reach it.

2 moms found this helpful
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K.G.

answers from Fort Myers on

You could ask your doctor for a pill. My mother in law is a terrible flyer and needs to take something for her nerves. You have 2 kids though, the pills will make you loopy or tired.

I'm not a fan of flying either but have gotten better. Just breathe. Your kids probably see this an adventure, do the same. There are hundreds of flights everyday, its rare that something happens. Bring a deck of cards, play with your kids, read a book, or listen to music. You are going to be ok.

This may sound stupid but this helps me. Before I get on the plane - I tap the plane 3 times and silently ask my grandma to watch over us. It calms me down and I like to think shes looking after us.

1 mom found this helpful

T.F.

answers from Dallas on

Flying is not my favorite thing to do but I'm sure as he$$ not going to let that stop me from travel!!

I get anxious because of prior flight experience. Once I hear the "ding" it's now safe to use your laptop, etc, my anxious level decreases the most. I'm fine the rest of the way.

Sometimes I have my essential oils and just breath which helps. My daughter is 22 and hates it as well but she did not let it stop her from going to Norway this month. She's so glad she did it!!

Make it an adventure with children. I was never afraid until I had a bad experience.

Good luck!

1 mom found this helpful
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R.K.

answers from Boston on

Hi,
Just a note about medication. There is an anti-anxiety medication that is prescribed often for those flying. If you choose to investigate this option, I have suggestions.

1. Ask the dr. for a prescription of no more than 20 pills. No one needs extra medications around the house.
2. Ask the dr. for a low dose pill. That way, you can take a small amount, just to take the fear down a notch.
3. Take the pill after you are through security. It does not take long to take effect.

I also like the idea of trying medication out before you fly. That way you will know what your personal reaction to the medication is. Even in the lowest dose, there is a score line, which allows you to cut the pill in half, if you need less.

The best story I can tell you happened a few years ago. We were on the runway, waiting for thunderstorms to move on, and the lady behind us was getting very anxious. The gentleman next to her started up a conversation, and explained he was a pilot, returning home. He assured her that the person in charge of flying this plane was another pilot, who fully intended to get home tonight, and would not do anything to jeopardize that. I thought that was a very reassuring thought to hold onto, if my mind ever became overwhelmed with anxiety on a flight. All my best.

1 mom found this helpful
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L.H.

answers from Abilene on

Good for you that you recognize you don't want to make your kids afraid of flying. Growing up my mom was very vocal about her worries and fears and I've chosen not to follow. My kids zip line and talk about sky diving and I encourage both of them even though the thought makes me nauseous. ๐Ÿ˜Š

I find keeping my thoughts occupied helps. Whether that's working on my lap top, reading, writing letters to my daughter at boot camp or doing a crossword puzzle. They also have TV and movies you can watch online on your iPad or laptop if that's a help. I use lavender oil on my wrists and breathe it in as I need to. I also think when I exhale that I am pushing all negative thoughts out of my mind and inhaling positive. Whether that's counting my blessings (literally) or thinking about how fortunate I am to be able to travel with my family and enjoy experiences with them.

My son wants to go to Ireland. That one may require alcohol. ๐Ÿ˜‚

T.D.

answers from Springfield on

yep head over to your dr get some drugs take as prescribed and fly away.. you will be in lala land and you will fly to your destination and everything will be a-ok

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