hayley82

Hi all, I am flying to the UK today for a holiday and am now very scared! I was ok the last couple days, but this morning I woke up shaking with nerves!
Just wondered if anyone had any advice on how to calm myself down so I don't look like a complete wreck at Newark and so I can get on the bloody plane without being in tears (yes that's happened before!!)
Thanks.

Lizzi

I'm the same hayley, my only advice is a large G&T as soon as you can get your hands on one. All the best.

Manc

scotch works well for me.

Rete

Ask yourself what you are nervous about? Flying is one of the safer modes of transportation and the results are wonderful. You get to be where you want to be in a few hours and in the arms of someone you care a great deal for.

Bring good reading material, take along some over the counter sleeping aides, don't drink as I find that only increases anxiety rather than relieve it, talk to the person sitting along side of you if they are open to in-flight conversations/friendships.

Granted I love to fly and have no fears whatsoever. But if it makes you feel better to cry in fear then go for it. Let people think you are crying because you are going to miss the person you are leaving behind.

Englishmum

I've sent you a PM

KarnalEcho

I suffer from claustrophobia (sp?) on a plane. Came on all of a sudden after a bad visitation with the TX courts
I normally grab a drink and take a book. The books works well, sometimes a Tylenol PM works well,also. I was given a prescription by my dr. but that made me feel worse when the meds were gone.

AdobePinon

The idea is to use horror stories of flying to scare the pants off the guy in the seat next to you. Once he's more scared than you are, you'll feel fine.

Bob

Final Destination anyone? *lol*

okay, bad joke....but flying isn't bad, just need to remember to breath...and good book...and while continous drinking isn't a great idea, have a a swift stiff drink before you fly to settle the nerves

hayley82

I think I'll need a vodka (or two maybe!)

Thank you to everyone!

KarnalEcho

Would have the opposite effect on me :scared:
Hubby has tried it on me

NJ_Dave

I've gotta agree with others, just get drunk and fall asleep on the plane. The bar at Newark is a bit pricey though, so might be best to wait till you're on the plane for the free alcohol

NC Penguin

Drinking alcohol is dehydrating so if that doesn't appeal to you, you can try essential oils. You can buy little rollers (like miniature roll on deodrants) containing relaxing essential oils. Apply to the pulse points before and during the flight to help you relax.

If you think you might suffer nausea during the flight, bring some ginger candy (or crystallized ginger or the sugar coated pieces of ginger) for the flight.




NC Penguin

KarnalEcho

You still get free alcohol? :scared:
$4 a pop here on Delta..cheap bastards

rogerpenycate

Don't like it myself either.
I went for a period of 11 years without getting on a plane and my (then) wife, arranged for me to have a "business lunch" with one of my clients at the NEC (Birmingham UK).
He got me so pissed that when it came to leave for the airport I didn't give a monkies. Problem was the cabin crew weren't going to let me on the plane as I walked down the aisle cigarette and hip flask in hand (you could smoke on planes in those days - mid 80's)
I was OK for several years, but flew over here to get married a week after 9/11 and was perified when 3 arab looking geezers collected near the emergency exit. I had visions that they were going to push the door open !!
Best thing I found was valium, take it first thing on the morning of departure, as long as you have a lift to the airport. Valium and copious amounts of bacardi and Coke has always worked for me since.
As Rete said, it is the safest form of transportation. I can fully appreciate your concerns and nervousness though.
Good luck
Roger

Manc

That's very very true. Flying is extremely safe.
I find it dropping out of the sky from 33,000 ft or slamming into the side of mountains that kill people.