Several years ago our local paper had an article directed at nervous flyers. It was written by a commercial airline pilot. He described what exactly is going on with the plane and its manuvering when each of those strange noises occurs (you know the ones that make your stomach lurch with anxiety). It was quite informative and helpful. I don't know if it is still available. Try searching the archives of StarTribune.com.<BR><BR>By the way, I used to be much more nervous than I am now--particularly on takeoff and landing because I know that statistically those are the most at-risk times. I was cured the day we had a number of screwups (a stop for an emergency medical evacuation triggered all sorts of problems, so once we got to Europe we'd missed a connecting flight, there were no seats available all day into our destination, and they kept putting us on short local flights until we finally got closer to our destination) on a flight to Europe and ended up having 5 take-offs and landings in one day. They say that desensitization works, and I'd agree that it did.

Jane try Calms Forte, is a homeopathic, non habit form.. is great for nervous tension; the company that made it is :Hylands&quot;&quot;<BR>I normally chew bubble gums,when we take off and landing,, I usually never sleep in the plane,tried various methods but nothing seems to work.. Melatonin makes me feels like a Zombie.. therefore ,I try to be calm and visualize all the beautiful places that I am going to explore and the fun that is awaiting for me upon my arrival... And Che Sera ..Sera....:)

Give your doctor a call. I am claustrophobic, and after having been in NYC on 9/11, have become increasingly more anxious about flying. My Dr. prescribed Xanax, and it works well for me when I think there may be stress during the flight (like being delayed on tarmac on a packed flight for a long period of time). At any rate, Xanax works beautifully for me, usually just takes the edge off &amp; I don't spiral down into a panic attack. Other of my coworkers also take xanax for traveling (I know we sound like a neurotic bunch, but we travel often &amp; it's usually unpleasant). A couple of them say it has worked for them, and another says it does nothing. I find it to be very mild but effective &amp; seems to completely wear off within 3-4 hours.<BR><BR>Believe me, your physician will understand, and has probably dealt with this hundreds of times over since 9/11. Seek his advice rather than trying to figure this out on your own.<BR><BR>Best of luck,<BR>(Another) Jane!!

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I'm a psychologist and I am glad that none of you have underestimated the prevalence or seriousness of flying anxiety. I think it is a primative reaction that even logical thinking and facts doesn't override. Most of my patients use xanex, some beginning the night before so their fears don't keep them awake. Xanex usually takes a half hour to kick in, and lasts 4-6 hours, so for a very long flight you might have to take another. Many people also take a sleeping pill (ambien, halcyion) too, but be sure that you aren't the one driving a car when the plane lands, because it is dangerous as driving drunk. Also useful and non-medicated is closing your eyes and breathing into your belly, very very slowly, counting to 4 on each inhale and each exhale. Some people's abdomens are so tight this isn't possible; if you get lightheaded you are breathing with only your chest and this isn't for you. For those who can push air into their bellies, it really makes a physical change. You can't over do belly-breathing; we should all do it always, like the yogis do. For some it takes practice. I also sing myself a little happy song over and over, along with the breathing.