What helps you overcome air jitters?
Feb 20th, 2003, 11:59 AM
#41
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A number of people mentioned not seeing other nervous fliers. My Mom (who is not afraid to fly) flew with me to England in 2000 and told me she couldn't tell at all I was nervous. I think a lot of people just focus ont he page in front of them, or sleep (pretend to) whatever keeps them rational. I've never had a negative reaction to Xanax. I've never had memeory loss (that I know of), or been 'zoned out', and it doesn't even put me to sleep. Certainly your doctor can decide with you what's best for you but many doctors feel this is an appropriate treatment and from my own experience, it's a lot better than getting drunk just to get on the plane and being sick and dehydrated your first day abroad.
Feb 20th, 2003, 01:44 PM
#42
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Just a warning - there is an awful lot of advise above regarding taking things like Xanax, Ambien, and even over the counter drugs like Tylenol PM. Be very careful. While they may work for some people they can be horrible for others - several days worth of sleepiness, headaches, hangover type reactions. Do you really want to risk spending the first few days of your vacation like that. I'm an RN and I've seen so many bad reactions to those meds. Some people do absolutely fine, others do not. If you insist on taking something then test drive it first so you know what your own reaction will be. The non drug suggesstions are much better.
Feb 20th, 2003, 06:06 PM
#43
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I'm usually not at all afraid of flying unless it is icy out or very stormy weather (I lived in Little Rock when the AA plane crashed there in a big storm); however, on those occasions when I am nervous, I try to immerse myself in a really interesting book, say a prayer ( short and to the point as dwelling on it may make me more nervous), and the glass of wine doesn't hurt either. Another thing that helps in turbulence is something I learned when my husband was learning to fly: most turbulence is due to air currents rising, which is lift therefore carrying you up away from the ground, not toward it. That has taken away all my fear in turbulence. I do not recommend Xanax, Ambien, etc. as the effects are unpredictable. Tylenol PM is probably ok (but not with wine, and I prefer the wine).
Feb 21st, 2003, 10:14 AM
#44
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I sure know what not to do, don't say a prayer out loud or recite the rosary as one man in front of me did on take off on a flight out of Dallas! Not very comforting to those around you I can assure you.<BR>Yes, see your doctor, and try the above non-med recs.
Feb 21st, 2003, 11:31 AM
#48
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I have successfully used Benadryl as a sleep aid (along with good ear plugs!) for an overnight trip. While I am usually just alert, not nervous, during take-off and landing, turbulence sometimes makes me jittery. I now close my eyes and pretend I'm on an amusement park ride, or at Disney.... it doesn't work completely, but concentrating on it makes me forget my jitters! 
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Feb 21st, 2003, 12:48 PM
#49
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I hate taking off and landing, otherwise I just endure it as a means to an end. Have flown around the world many times, long and short trips, and I think the scariest thing about flying are the people on board. ...smelly, rude, indiferent, noisy, and down right intimidating...I'll be glad when pilots carry guns. Once got on a Saudia plane, and there was a Saudi in my seat. When I ask him to move, he gave me the finger. Stewardess did nothing...oh well, I've had tomato juice spilled, on me, hot coffee, been with a dying man, helped a large woman out of her seat who was jammed in, been locked in the toilet by malfunctioning lock, etc., etc...
Feb 21st, 2003, 06:39 PM
#50
A poster above mentioned prescription drugs as being "unpredictable". I disagree. The effects may differ from person to person, but as long as you try it at home you'll have a good idea how it works on you. My personal choice is Valium.<BR><BR>Not dopey, no hangover, no bad side effects, not a sleeping pill, but it is calming and makes the time seem less FOREVER on the plane.<BR><BR>Be careful with OTT like Tylenol PM or Benedryl. Those both get me so wired!
Feb 21st, 2003, 07:47 PM
#51
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I'm not a nervous flyer, but I bought the Fruits and Passion airplane kit (the tiny kits - one for take off, one for in flight, and one for landing) and it made the flight much more enjoyable. The three are small enough to fit into a purse and included waterless hand soap, a hydrating towel, relaxing balm, a water mister, moisturizing cream, herbal tea, invigorating lotion, a tonic towel, and lift cream to make you look less tired. All of these are of course travel sized and designed for one or two flights. <BR>I arrived in London smelling good and feeling a little less 'icky'.
Feb 22nd, 2003, 06:16 AM
#53
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Regarding the Fruits and Passion kit - how strong is the fragrance? It sounds like it would be a really nice touch to pamper myself a bit, but I'm leery of using anything with strong perfumes while sitting very close to other people - I don't want to tick anyone off.
Feb 22nd, 2003, 07:29 AM
#54
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All phobias have just about the same mental mechanism. They are all controllable by your thought processes. What you tell yourself before and during the flight will dictate your level of anxiety and fear. <BR><BR>Once I heard and understood that, my flying anxiety was dramatically reduced. I tell myself it's an irrational fear I have total control over.<BR><BR>Ok, and I do crossword puzzles too, great mind relaxer, ha.<BR><BR>Seriously, I don't think you need drugs or alcohol, and you don't want to impair yourself while you have to take care of your kids. You really can change your level of fear by changing your internal dialogue about flying.
Feb 23rd, 2003, 10:49 PM
#56
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The fragrances in the Fruits and Passion kit are very subtle (eucalyptis, citrus oil, cammomile, bergamot, flower oil, green tea, black spruce, basil, grape seed etc.) When I bought the kit I was worried that some of the products would smell sort of anticeptic but all of them were quite nice and not overpowering (I wouldn't have used them on the plne if they were really smelly!). Actually all of their products are wonderful - I think they tie with the stuff I get from LUSH...<BR><BR>You can ge the kit at the Fruits and Passion store or at http://www.fruits-passion.com/en/<BR><BR>Its called the aerotherapy kit and is under the gift ideas section. The price is $30.00 CAD and shipping fees to a US address is $10.00 CAD.<BR><BR>(do you have these stores in the States?)
Mar 25th, 2003, 07:21 PM
#57
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I "wrote the book" on nervous flyers & even though I've flown many times over the years, it doesn't seem to improve the situation too much. So much for "familiarizing yourself with your fears by acting on them." I do say the rosary which helps somewhat. It would also be good for non-catholics since it is soothing & works like a mantra. Wouldn't take any drug for anything, including alcohol. You never know how it will affect you or interact with your other meds, if you take any on a regular basis. I had friends who always took a sleeping pill (don't know which one) as soon as the plane began to taxi out to the runway. On one trip, we had to sit on the runway for about 20 minutes & they both were soon out like a light. The plane had developed a mechanical problem, we went back to the gate & friends had to be physically carried off the plane & helped onto the replacement aircraft. Imagine having to deal with them in the event of an emergency. We were headed to Vienna on a company award trip & when we arrived they were bright eyed & ready to go & remembered nothing about the ordeal while the rest of us were badly in need of rest. Guess you could argue the point both ways but as for me, no pills/alcohol no matter how nervous & uncomfortable I become.
Mar 25th, 2003, 10:03 PM
#59
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Oh, I just sit and worry most of the time I am in the air. I try to read and try to listen to music, try to amuse myself with crosswords, but I can't sleep on a plane, so I try not to look at my watch too often and think, ohhh, only 10 more hours.....
Mar 26th, 2003, 01:38 AM
#60
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Rescue Remedy... Bach Flower Essences. It has been used in Europe for years to deal with fear and in cases of shock. I always carry some in my purse. Four drops on your tongue. It does not tranquilize like Xanax or alcohol, it does alleviate fear. I know it works and is not a placebo effect as has worked on children and pets who were in states of panic. Don't laugh until you try it.
