To seetheworld---

I think many of us are a bit nervous about flying. I deal with it by taking control of choosing the airline and the flights. Then I can also pick the most direct route, best flight times (i.e., no 6 am departures), etc. I much prefer that to handing it all to a travel agent (or to Hotwire!)

You can't just compare the service history record of the 747 and the 330/340. The 747 first flew in around 1969 and there are over 1,300 delivered so far. Engine technology, navigation aids, airline practice, weather forecast, etc have changed so much in 38 years.

Most accidents involving the 747s are of the earlier -100 and -200 models, and many are old aircrafts.

If one really have to compare, then please limit the comparison to 747-400 models (first flown 1989, about 700 delivered) to the A330 and A340 (first flights 1991-2, total delivered also about 700). The accident rates are so low on all these new planes there's really no point in comparing the numbers. And basically all accidents involving these planes are due to human errors and/or weather, and not because of the planes themselves.

My mom is really uncomfortable with flying.

I would say that our last flight (I did start my trip report but have yet to finish it) did not help her, as we flew Delta. Although the strike issues were held off during our trip, it was just one more point of stress.

I would also vote for picking an airline that you feel comfortable with their track record. My brother recently had great luck with KLM, for example.

But at some point you will add stress if you are too indecisive about it, trying to get the "perfect" airline or flight.

Commercial airplane travel is safe! If personal safety is concern, why do you continue to ride and drive in an automobile? 125 Americans lose their lives every day in USA automobile accidents.

I remember stats which say it's more dangerous taking your car to the airport than taking the flight on the airplane.

Blackduff

seetheworld
When you book your tickets, it miight be useful to ask the airline if they have any programs which offer help and support for the many people who are nervous and fearful about flying.

I can't sleep on a plane so I like to have my own television monitor in coach. Most Boeing 777's and 747's have this and most A340's and A330's have this. But check seatguru for confirmation.

Avoid the Boeing 767's (especially Delta) because the screen is in the front of the cabin and if you're in the back, you will never see it. And those $5.00 drinks on U.S. airlines can be a bit much if you drink. And Continental's 757 going across the pond is kind of a joke, too.

seethworld - I used to be like you. It got so bad that at one stage I mentally spoke to the plane and told it to "stop bumping around"!
Oneday I met one of the pilots waiting for a package off the carousel and remarked on the bumpy flight. He was so kind and patiently described what the air currents do when they cause turbulance. He said it's just like a car on a bumpy road, so don't worry too much.
I have to disagree with you about booking business or first class seats.
You definitely don't feel the planes movements like you do somewhere near the back end. If I can't travel Business class - I don't go.

Thank you all very much! :)

Tony5, I don't know who you are, but information like that is helpful to someone like me. Thanks.

Not only do I now know the difference between the Airbus and Boeing equipment, I also know what to look for in order to make it a relatively comfortable flight.

I'm checking into the Premium Economy seats. Is this something that only Virgin Atlantic offers?

Tod, I once spoke with our pilot on a flight out of SFO (he was buying a pack of gum). I guess the anxiety on my face showed, he was very reassuring. Nice guy.

Concrete information is the best way to reduce fear. I can make an informed choice, knowing I can only control so much.

Last winter, while driving to the airport on black ice, I was very relieved to be on the plane! The flight was a lot less nerve-racking than the drive, lol.

Thanks again.

Across the Atlantic, Virgin, BA and SAS offer a premium economy service.

Air NewZealand is also converting their planes, but they only fly LAX-LHR, and NZ's premium economy doesn't offer extra width.

United also has a "Economy +" product which is just economy with extra legroom. you can get those if you're UA Premier or if pay an annual fee of $399 which can move you and a companion to those seats even without status.

seetheworld, I don't have any information on the planes that you haven't already gotten, but if you are that nervous have you considered asking your doctor about Ambien or another prescription sleeping pill? I have a hard time sleeping on planes, and I too get airsick very easily. I call my doctor and explain my situation, and he calls in a prescription for just enough Ambien pills to get me through the flights. They work wonders...I sleep almost the whole way over, and I arrive refreshed, not jetlagged in the least, and I can actually stay awake the whole first day of the trip. Just something to consider.

Good luck!
Tracy

Have to concur with the wonders of Ambien if you have already tried the "regular" Dramamine.

I don't get airsick, but don't enjoy flying particularly-a couple of Dramamine 45 minutes before the flight make me just sleepy enough to not care, yet feel like if there was an emergency I could sure still respond. Works better for me that drinking (coupled with air system dries me out) or valium. Weird but true.

As to plane models, they all are safe-I'd go for the comfort. I hate getting stuck in the middle of the "5 seat" row! Never again!