I am like Gail, I always watch the FA's. This backfired once. I was able to catch a small Navy jet from San Juan to St Thomas for a day trip. On the way there, the pilot explained that because the runway on St Thomas was so short, we would go down steep and fast. No problem. On the flight back, just before we started our descent into San Juan, the plane started careening wildly back and forth. I glanced at the FA (I forget what the military calls them), and he was white as a sheep. He turned to the guy next to him and said "The pilot is an idiot, he does not have a clue how to land this plane." By the way, on a flight back from Hawaii, I think I sat next to Richard, dressed as a woman. When the plane got in the air, the woman started screaming and crying. I though she was having a premonition or something. Sheesh, it was a long scary flight.

Not to be sarcastic or anything (don't want to join the clan of idiots that roam this board), but I actually laugh at the fact that doctor's prescribe just about anything to anyone. Most people who have prescriptions these days shouldn't have any in my opinion.

What will you do when Iraq starts bombing the US (or another terrorism act happens), will we all need our prescriptions to get over those fears?? I completely understand that some people have legitimate phobias of flying,but for most it's nervousness and fear that we should learn to deal with (or not fly if you don't have to), it's part of life.....

Anyways, that's my opinion, not trying to say that all of you who do take medication don't have a right to do what you want, just saying that pills shouldn't be the 'cure' for everything these days....although, it is nice that people have that option when they DO need it.

Celine is giving me a headache. Where are my pain pills????

Also, to calm my fear of flying (not really a fear, but there's always the 'chance' that something could happen), I always remind myself that your chances of dying in a car crash are much much bigger than in a plane. I also start off a flight by thinking of everyone I love, and saying to myself that if I die then I die, it was meant to be, hopefully it won't happen yet. You could also learn breathing techniques to stay calm, the other suggestion of bringing a walkman with soothing music that you like is also a good idea.

After a while, you'll notice that most flights have some turbulence, and if you consider the amount of planes in the air every day (compared to the amount of crashes), it's one of the safest ways of transportation, that's for sure.

So Celine, where did you get your medical license? You seem to know so much about whether or not we should take pills.

Hahaha, ouch! I was pretty tame compared to some of the posts I've read on this board. Guess they're getting to me! Sorry, didn't mean to be harsh, but you all have to admit that there is a serious problem with doctors prescribing anything to anyone. Just the fact that they advertise drugs on TV is a bad sign. They don't do that in other countries.

Celine, doctors consider anxiety and stress to be harmful to your physical well being so of course they will provide drugs. Would you rather be on a plane with someone having a full blown breakdown?

Celine has obviously never experienced true anxiety. When you describe the symptoms to a Dr. and they are easily recognized that is not overprescribing. I'm grateful for medical technology that can help me in this truly horrible situation I sometimes have. You have no right to criticize.

I specifically said that some people DO need the medication if they have a phobia or extreme anxiety, but one of the posters said that he/she didn't even have time to finish describing the problem and the doctor already had the Rx pad out.

I don't want to drag out this discussion, I know that some people do need medication, I made a general comment on how doctors do overprescrive medication. I'm not a doctor or trying to be a doctor, just voicing my opinion.

I gots one word for you:

Valium, valium, valium.

For me it's dramamine. I have both - fear of flying and travel sickness. I take 2 pills before the take-off and usually sleep light, waking up for drinks and food (can't miss that LOL)

Namesis, can you take a train? Amtrak offers great discounts these days!

If not, will Greyhound be an option?

Just go easy on the Xanax it can be very addictive.

You should also check out and Erica Jong book titled "The Fear of Flying", that should help you!

Ask your doctor for a valium prescription. Take the maximum allowable amount just before boarding. You won't care about any of it. No drinking though! That's how I handle flying - and it's just fine.

Topped for other fearful flyer.

Also topped. Check the Europe forum and search under "xanax" and you'll find even more suggestions.

Another Fear link

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...2&tid=34520674

Try trusting the crew. Let them worry about getting you to your destination safely. Otherwise, take Amtrak or Greyhound.

I always ask for valium, but they give me xanax! Darn. But xanax helps too.

I used to be terrified of flying. I grew up sitting next to my mother on all flights (the only daughter) and my mom was panick mode every flight! She was the ultimate white nuckle flyer. No wonder I was scared. She learned to go to the doctor and ask for a few low dose valiums and she now sleeps (lightly) on her flights. I can fly without drugs (as long as I am without mom!) Seriously though.. I really had to talk myself out of the panick stuff. My husband had all of these great trips with work and he had to go and I was invited. So, I just kept thinking in a few hours, I am going to be in a great place and this ride will be history. When we flew first class, I really liked flying so much more! The truth is I listen to the pilots. Most get on and explain that there will be some turbulance. I feel like they have control and know the situation so it is just a few bumps in the road.
(Just don't sit next to Richard!!!LOL)