Any advice for White Knuckle fliers?
#1
Guest
Posts: n/a
Any advice for White Knuckle fliers?
I fly several times a year, however I still get crazy every time I hit "rough air." Those reports about severe turbulence and passenger injuries don't help. I'm flying to Hawaii soon and would love to have the flight be a non-event (psychologically, at least), and not arrive a wreck. I'd appreciate advice from anyone, especially those who've overcome the "nervous nellies."
#2
Guest
Posts: n/a
The things that work for stress will do it. Try meditation and visualization tapes, deep breathing, any relaxation tapes. I remind myself that air travel is far safer than freeway travel and that noone died last year on an American carrier. Just listening to myself I think I might have to stay on the ground too. Sit at the window to avoid getting bonked by any loose overhead luggage. Remember that there is no glamour left in air travel, that my help ease the pain.
#3
Guest
Posts: n/a
I love traveling, and flying doesn't bother me a bit. I've sat with people who were extremely nervous, though, and usually have been able to help them through the flight with conversation about things to do when you get there. The time passes more quickly, and when concentrating on "the best part" of the trip, the most difficult doesn't seem so bad. Of course, it also helps to have started a really good book that you take with you. Then you don't need conversation to distract you, you can keep yourself quite distracted with the book. (I also make it a point not to "bother" anyone who is reading. I usually have something with me that I want to read, anyway.) Of course if you're seated between two readers. . .
#4
Guest
Posts: n/a
Your's is not an uncommon problem. I have friends in similar situation and at least one has taken a class to help. See if your local university or city college or ? offers a class. There's also books available on this subject I believe.
Once on the plane, I'd recommend a good novel that you can't put down. I'd personally suggest an aisle seat in front of the wings, definetly don't take a seat at an emergency exit (confident people need to sit there). A window seat or middle seat might make you feel claustrophobic. It wouldn't hurt to let the flight attendants know how you feel.
I would also advise no alcohol, or very limited. Listening to a good tape too may help. Hope this helps you.
#5
Guest
Posts: n/a
I also hate flying and esp. turbulance. This is inconvenient because I have to fly often for my work. I took a course for nervous flyers offered by Air France which I found very helpful. I believe other airlines may offer courses like it (I took Air France's because I live in France, but try some US airlines). You also might consult a web site for a service called SOAR. There you will find info written by a pilot-turned-air fright consultant that you might find reassuring. Good luck.
#6
Guest
Posts: n/a
The maximum danger in flying is when your are taking off and landing. Believe me. I don't know of a loss of an airplane due to rough air at flying altitudes, 30,000 feet up. The main problem there is that they are most likely are serving coffee. It is hard to keep it in your cup. Get white knuckles when you are landing. Landing doesn't last very long and you are so thankful when you are on the ground that you forget your worries. Remmeber this when you fly next. When you are at altitude, stop worrying. Always keep your seat belt on when in your seat.
#7
Guest
Posts: n/a
I really hate to fly too, but I can't let that get in the way of traveling. What helps me is listening to a book on tape. Go to your local library and find a novel that really interests you. Listen to it as long as you can in the air. It's a great way to keep yourself occupied and distracted from wierd noises the airplane makes in flight. It also helps pass the time much more quickly than just reading a book.
Good luck on your next flight!
Good luck on your next flight!