I admit I am a fearful flier, and as my vacation to France comes nearer I find that my excitement is tinged with fear for the transit. Does anyone have any suggestions for easing the nerves during flight?

My mom is terrified of flying, so everytime she comes to visit me her doctor prescribes her sleeping pills--not sure what kind, I think Valium. It's funny because she always brings her little lap dog everywhere she goes and the dog freaks out everytime she pulls out the little dog crate/airline carrier--so the vet prescribes the dog tranquilizers too. So it's quite a sight, seeing both, my my and the dog, come off the plane all "tranquilized". ha ha.<BR><BR>Some people try having a few alcoholic drinks with dinner instead but I would discourage you from taking that approach--transatlantic flights are bad enough on your skin (dehydration factor) to be drinking alcohol heavily on board.<BR><BR>There are also hypnosis therapists who specialize on treating fear of flying, but unless you are truly terrified of it I wouldn't spend the money and would go the tranquilizer route instead. Since you have had enough courage to book a flight to France to begin with , I suspect your fear is more nerves than an actual phobia. So just breathe deeply, pop a couple Tylenol PMs 30 minutes before boarding, and think that flying has always been the safest way to travel, statistically speaking.<BR><BR>Good luck!

For the record, Valium are anxiolytics (tranquillizers), not sleeping pills. They do, however, make most people somewhat drowsy.

I like the idea of tylenol pms over valium or alcohol (at least until I get to a cafe ;-)!). Maybe I'll even sleep on the flight! I know mentally that its a safe way to travel, but I get extremely stressed because of the fear nonetheless. I do have a connection to Detroit before I go on to Paris, I suppose I should wait to take the tylenol PM until just before the overseas flight?<BR>

I did see on tv in the past few years a segment where an airline (I forget which one) has a one-day fear of flying program. They take you on board and explain exactly how a plane works, sounds that are normal, etc. I think that's where most of the fear comes from, just not having a clear understanding of flight. It seemed to really be a good idea. You might want to contact your airline or airport to see if such a program is available. Beats drugging yourself up everytime you fly.

Sometimes drugging yourself up is the only answer. I fly regularly, am going to France soon on frequent flyer miles, and still absolutely HATE it. So I nibble on valium. I cut a tablet in little pieces and take just enough to calm my nerves. If the flight is delayed, I take some more. Works just fine. I've done the classes. Didn't learn anything I didn't already know and as soon as the plane would start takeoff, I had forgotten whatever I had learned in the class. Take valium!

Sorry, Don...I have to disagree. As a fearful flier, I can tell you that drugs are the only way to go! I've done the Qantas program but nothing cures a flying freak like me better than a dose of Ativan and a couple glasses of wine. Before you know it, you've arrived at your destination and it's nothing that a lot of H20 and a nap can't cure.

Karen, I confess I get a little jittery too, even though I travel by air with extreme frequency. I am one of those people who cannot sleep on a plane either (unlike my mom and her poodle), no matter how medicated I may be. I just get drowzy and cranky if I take any sleep aids at all. So maybe a tranquilizer may work best? But if you can at all avoid the drugs and alcohol, then that's the best route (as you say, at least til you get to your destination, wink)<BR><BR>I find what helps with my mild nerves when flying is just immersing myself in a really good book--when I really get into the reading I tend to focus on that exclusively and everyting else just fades away. Make it a point to watch the on-board movie(s), as that might help distract you too from the fact that you are in an airplane. Also, wear comfortable clothes so that, if you do fall asleep or happen to relax at some point then you won't be distracted by shoes that are too tight or a binding waistband, etc. Or, bring a guidebook of your destination and read it cover to cover. By the time you get to France, you will know all there is about the places you plan to see, and perhaps will have added a couple new stops in your itinerary. The goal is to take your mind off the flight in any way possible. Even if it involves a bloody mary...or six!<BR><BR>Happy trails,<BR>Sandra

<BR><BR>Every once in a while a plane is going to crash, and some poor souls are going to be on it. That's reality, and it creates a powerful fear in some people.<BR><BR>However, statistically, air travel is probably the safest form of travel. It is certainly far safer than traveling by car, something most of us don't think twice about. Think of how many planes fly every single day, just within the United States, without a crash or other serious incident. <BR><BR>Don't put your faith in God to keep your plane from crashing. After all, if your time is up, God is not going to "save" you. If anything, perhaps God "wants" you. <BR><BR>Instead, put your faith in the odds.

Get a prescription for Xanax from your doctor. Try the .25 mg.<BR><BR>Take one about 90 minutes before the flight, or even at home if your really nervous. You can usually take about 1 mg total (4 pills) before you get really zonked out and sleepy. However, every person is different. CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR.<BR><BR>I used to hate flying, but with Xanax I almost enjoy it.<BR><BR>CoachBoy

So how do you get valium? Do you just tell your doctor you are going to fly and he prescribes it?

Karen:<BR>You are not alone! I fear flying but I love to travel. Each time I get settled in the cabin and OK to use the headphone I listen to the music and at the same time start reciting the rosary and God knows how many mysteries total I've recited until I get to my destination.<BR>Anyway, there was this book that I borrowed from the library about how to combat the fear of flying but I forget who the author was. It really helps you understand as it chronicles the mechanics of how the plane operates from the moment it takes off, airborne and lands like Dori mentioned above. It does help a bit once you get the idea.<BR>Have a wonderful time in France - I will be there in December !!!

Hi Karen,<BR>I used to have a real flying phobia (or as I used to say, it's not the flying I'm afraid of, it's the crashing.) I tried Valium. All that happened was I stayed ridgidly awake all night(hey if I'm not awake, who's keeping this plane up?) and then fell asleep on the bus from Heathrow into London. I did a course in desensitization with a psychologist. I learned about all the noises and what to expect. I was still terrified when I approached an airport and the smell of aviation fuel would start me panicking. At take off, I would clutch my poor husband's tie so tightly it nearly throttled him. Holidays were spoiled by fearful thoughts about the return flight. So what worked for me? I acted. On one flight, I noticed a young man across the aisle who was clearly sweating and trying not to show he was afraid. For reasons I can't explain, this prompted me to show that I wasn't afraid, so I put on this act like I was someone who did this every day and it was boring.To my surprise, it got me through the take off. So I did it every time I flew and eventually, little by little, my beliefs began to mirror my actions and I stopped feeling afraid. (I think that this was called Cognitive Dissonance when I did my psychology degree.) Anyway, it worked for me.

Use 'search' there is a great recent thread titled "Xanax" that covers all the questions above.<BR><BR>Karen, Watch out for some over-the-counter medications because they work opposite on some people (i.e., Tylenol PM really "wires" me).<BR><BR>I use Valium by prescription from my doctor. They do not make me groggy, or have any hangover effect, but are an anti-anxiety, which is what you are looking for.

Lesley, your advice may not work for everyone, but I think it's advice that does work often. I told my mother the same thing. She had to go to court and was terrified (she was the plaintiff) so I just told her so, don't go. Go as someone else. A person who isn't nervous and does this all the time. As you said - act! I think it's a great psychological tool.

Thank you for topping the xanax thread Susan! Lots of very helpful info. And the acting advice is good, too. But Lesley, I laughed out loud when you said if you weren't awake, who would keep the plane up--maybe its a control thing (or more acurately, an out-of-control thing) for me too! I will talk to my doctor, maybe even thinking I'll be calmer with xanax or valium will help! You are all so kind to post such helpful info!

Karen,<BR>Also, I know we all hate to add any more to our carry ons, but you might want to take a Walkman CD player if you don't usually take one. What works best for me is a combo of a good book (nothing sad or deep - mysteries are great) and playing some CDs. I have some CDs that always help soothe me. Sometimes this helps more than the music available on the plane. <BR>If you do take any of the suggestions everyone gave, can you please post when you return and let us know what worked for you and what didn't? I have contemplated taking medication in the past but haven't, so would be interested to know how it turns out for you. <BR>Have a wonderful trip.

I like the music idea too, it always sets a mood for me! I am going to talk to my doctor about xanax, and I will post after my flight how it went. I am returning the third week of Nov. (Of course, assuming all goes well on the flight !)

Go to drugstore and buy kava kava.We use it<BR>every flight.It works.

Why such resistance to a perfect idea?<BR><BR>I find it hard to understand why people who clearly express having such high anxiety are unwilling to consider a pharmaceutical solution. Valium and Xanax and wonderful, well tested, fairly mild, and perfect in this situation.<BR><BR>This isn't Valley of the Dolls for gods sake.<BR><BR>And to 'xxx' yes you ask your doctor. That's how it works. If you have an intelligent one who knows and trusts you then you get it.<BR><BR>If none of this makes sense to you... you can always go the old fashion route & drink LOTS of wine in flight (make sure you have an aisle seat).