Fear of Flying
 

I thought I could get mostly honest answers on this website to this dilemma I know face. I am 47 and have flown since I was 8 years old at least 2 times a year. Lately, yes I would have say since 9/11, I get a fear in my head that starts about 24 hours before flight. (8 times since) Once we are on clearance for takeoff and the jets kick in I start to panic! I travel with my wife and don't show it but I am in a state of fearful mind games. I have tried to control it but the thoughts ransack my brain. Every noise, every bump, every turn I am in FEAR! Once we level off I am somewhat under control but it starts all over with descent. What to do? I know this is crazy but I just can't seem to get over it. Anybody else feel the same way? Is this normal you think? Thank you for your suggestions.

Sounds to me like situational anxiety, maybe borderline panic attack, perhaps related to deep but unexpressed feelings about 9/11. Sure, it's highly unlikely that anything will go wrong, but this isn't about rational thought, it's about emotion. I'm not a pill advocate but if the problem persists or worsens you might talk to your health care provider about medication. Before resorting to that, you might try some relaxataion techniques. <BR>Also, take alook at this web site: http://www.fearofflyinghelp.com/<BR>Good luck!

<BR>First, I'm not a psychologist.<BR><BR>Second, after 9/11 who wouldn't be at least a little queasy flying. I'm sure you are not alone in your feelings.<BR><BR>I'm not the best flyer in the world so I do the following when I get the jitters:<BR><BR>1. Close the windows on take off/landing.<BR>2. Close your eyes and go somewhere else - picture the mountains, the sea, where ever it is that relaxes you. For me, I picture myself in a car since the bumps you feel in a car are similar to the ones in the plane it's you just ignore them in a car.<BR>3. Finally, I believe what they say about it being more dangerous to drive to the airport than it is to fly on the plane. Every year, thousands and thousands of people are killed in automobile accidents but (excluding 9/11) very few died in airplane crashes.<BR><BR>I don't drink but some people claim a drink before take off /landing helps their nerves.<BR><BR>Good luck and there is professional help if you need it.<BR><BR>Mike Honeycutt

Rog, I can relate to your problem. I have flown many times and never was confortable with it. I had the problem before 9-11. The biggest thing to bother me is turbulance--if we are in it,I am miserable. When not in it, I am expecting it at any second, so that's as bad.<BR>I always try to get a seat as close to the front as possible. It seems like that helps. I really don't know the answer to the problem, but it helps to talk. One thing for sure, I love to travel and to visit places overseas, so one has to fly.<BR>At least know you're not alone with your discomfort.<BR>Smooth sailing.

My sister hasn't flown in years due to panic attacks (and fear of getting a panic attack) on planes. she used to drink herself silly when she had to fly, but still freaked out. Finally she quit flying... even took Amtrak from VA to CA!<BR>Last month she HAD to fly if she wanted to attend a family wedding. She got valium for the first time. took 1/2 the night before, 1/2 in the morning, and 1 at boarding, then every few hours per doctor. She had no problems, and said it didn't make her 'stoned", but more just relaxed her and made her not really care about the flight. Flew home the same way, and now we are planning a trip somewhere exotic. don't know if it will work for you, but you might give it a shot.<BR>I also hate flying, and like you am on edge or in tears for much of trips. i live in Hawaii though, so have no choice. I've found that putting Andre Boccelli (sp?)at loud volume on my walkman, then closing my eyes and imagining I'm on a speedboat or a roller coaster fools my brain into accepting the bumps ase fun. don't laugh...it works for me!

I panic on flights, too. Mine manifested itself about 3 years ago. I'm seriously looking into some drugs, because it's not getting better.<BR><BR>That being said, I can pass on a couple of hints. I've read that it helps if your senses are engaged. Bring a magazine with bright, colorful pictures to occupy your eyes (InStyle Magazine works for me, maybe there is something that's more for men!) and a walkman to occupy your ears. <BR><BR>I've taken some Nyquil before a flight, and that dopes me up slightly.<BR><BR>Someone recommended the front of the plane, but I do better at the back of the plane. Right by where the flight attendants are making coffee and getting the meals. There is a comfort for me in seeing a normal, routine activity. Strange, but it helps me.

Icuy, I'm happy you found something that helps --sounds like your sister found something too!<BR> I think there are a lot of people like us out there--love to travel but have a problem with flying.<BR> I have visited Hawaii 6 times--have enough frequent flyer miles to round tripfirst class--waiting on the nerve to do it.

Panic attacks are real and can be very scary. You are not alone. You might want to check fear of flying on the web. Perhaps there are some classes or something that might work besides resorting to drugs or drinking. <BR><BR>I think since 9/11, a lot of people have experienced this. And, it will probably get worse as we get closer to September and have the one year anniversary.<BR><BR>

You should discuss this with your doctor.

My sister is the same way. Classes were no help, but valium works, just one about an hour before the flight relaxes her.

Absolutely talk to your doctor about this. Panic attacks are brought on by a chemical imbalance in the brain. For many people, they are chronic. Others have them infrequently. Those with chronic attacks benefit from anti-depresant maintenance drugs like Zoloft. It helps to prevent them, and reduces their frequency/intnesity.<BR><BR>Another class of drugs help eliminate the effects of panic attacks once they start. Valium falls into this category, as well as Xanex. Either of these can be very benefitial to take prior to flying, if that is indeed what triggers your attacks.<BR><BR>Either way, you need to call your doctor to discuss it.<BR><BR>The good doctor has spoken.<BR><BR>

Yes, fear is normal, I'm glad you are not denying your fear. And don't try to handle this problem alone, or to just do it rationally, and consciously. Let your wife in, don't be alone or ashamed. Definitely talk with your doctor now, it is a serious isse - and ask for a referral to see a psychologist for a while, on a regular basis, and talk to them about a mild med to be used for flights. The key is understanding exactly what it is you are afraid of. Perhaps 9-11 is a surrogate for a fear of something else. Perhaps the fear was already there, hidden and your body used 9-11 and flying as the route for release. Don't try to solve this by the usual means you use on problems. Get some more resources, and of course you will be the one in charge. It may be that your fear is going to become an ally of yours, helping you to make a needed change in your life. Look at it as a potential life saver, and not simply as a problem. And start now working with your doctor. If he or she doesn't respond the way YOU believe they should, get another doctor.

As I've gotten older, my fear of flying has greatly increased. Now it's to the point of having nightmares, starting a few weeks before we take our annual family vacation. We are leaving for Chicago this Saturday. Throughout the day terrible thoughts creep into my head of me and my family dying in a plane crash, followed by bad dreams at night. I try to rationalize by thinking how often my boss takes flights and returns safely, as do many other people, but it only brings momentary relief. My grandmother's suitcase was packed until her death, waiting for a trip to Hawaii she never got to take because of her fears. When my dad was dying of cancer he regretted not having traveled more, so I vowed not to let that happen to me. I just pray that my nightmares never come true.

I have to say I agree with you. Here's what I do to help:<BR><BR>I have a prescription for Xanax -- only for five tablets, enough for round trip and one to spare. Takes the 'edge' off only.<BR><BR>Something I've heard lots of others do, that I've considered when flying with my family and not alone on business....is to fly with one child while hubby flies wiht the other. That way IF something happened....<BR><BR>However, I've never done it since who would wanna live if the other half didn't make it....???<BR><BR>I don't know, I shudder to think of it.

That's why we all fly together. I figure we'll all go at once and the survivors won't have to live with the agony of being alone. <BR><BR>Wow, isn't this a happy thread and don't you feel better rog? (I know it sounds strange, but I do feel better flying when we're all together, and happy, at least until...)

Howdy,<BR>I'm an experience aviatior and have flown professionally for the Air Force for 10 years and more for recreation (fun). Right now I'm an aircraft mishap (crash) investigator. <BR><BR>I believe that your fear is more a phobia or unreasonable fear. Do you get fearful when driving your car? You need to arm yourself with real statistical information and maybe you will calm down some. <BR><BR>The reason most people (IMHO) are afraid of flying is because they associate aircraft mishaps with large-scale death and destruction. When there are airliner mishaps, yes there are often large numbers of fatalities and it makes for good front-page news because the mishaps are sensational.<BR><BR>Statistically, there are far more highway deaths and your chances of a drunk driver hitting and killing you are far greater. There are thousands of flights world-wide every day that carry millions of people. You always hear about the catastrophic mishaps because they make for good news stories. Are you aware how many people die in car accidents DAILY just in the U.S.? No, because nobody wants to hear a daily total of nationwide fatalities on the news.<BR><BR>I agree with the earlier posters. If you arm yourself with knowledge and are still terrified, get some psych or medical help. <BR><BR>Happy Flying!<BR><BR>Paul

Rog- <BR>You are not alone! I feel exactly the same way-- EVERY bump and odd noise gets my heart racing. I feel hot, my palms are sweating, and I just feel like I am going to burst into tears. I have always had this fear...it is not just a result of 9/11. I fly about once a month so this is a real issue for me. I've only resorted to drugs (Xanax) once and that was for an overseas trip. The Xanax was a life saver but I hate taking any type of medication so I don't do it very often. Here are some things I try to do to help me:<BR><BR>1. I try to sit in the front of the plane. I noticed I feel more panicked when I sit in the back. I feel more cramped and during turbulence, the worst thing is to look down the belly of the plane and see the entire plane swaying back and forth. <BR>2. I try to sit near an exit row, for obvious reasons.<BR>3. I do visualization exercises like a previous poster said- imagine the bumps are similar to "pot holes" for the plane. I also visualize the family or friends who await me at the end of the flight or the different sights I will get to see when I de-board.<BR>4. I watch the flight attendants-- if they aren't panicking, then neither should I.<BR>5. I make a mental list of all the family and friends I have who fly far more frequently than I. They are all still alive and well- despite their flying!<BR>6. I do a "countdown" of the flight. Usually, my flights are around 2-3 hours so it helps to know that there will be an end to the suffering! <BR><BR>My fiancee thinks I'm a nut but I can't help these fears. I love to travel though so I force myself to get on the plane. Good luck to you!

To all of you: thank you very,very much. I knew I could get some honest and usable suggestions to my "fear". I hate it every time we decide to go somewhere we have to fly, it shouldn't be like this! There are so many good, real suggestions to my problem, I will try some of them on my next flight. Hopefully, short of going to the doctor and getting medication, these will help. Thanks to all of you! I am not alone out there! (or should I say "up" there) I will post a trip report after my next flight.

My mother suffers from panic attacks and actually had a stroke during one of them. I have been seeing a psychiatrist who has prescribed Klonopin. It took me a lot of years to get to the doctor during which time I was truly miserable. We travel a lot. Each take off was hell for me. Now I take one half a pill about a hour before flying and believe me it makes all the difference. I do not feel at all drugged but am calm and composed. This is not a tranquilizer or sedative but a rather new drug. The mind games you are talking about is ruminating and it's quite common with a generalized anxiety reaction. I used to not sleep the night before flying and had old song lyrics going around in my head until I thought I was going crazy. Please consult a physician and don't feel that you are a weak person for needing to do that or take medication. You cannot "tough it out"---I've tried. I've been down that road and it goes nowhere. Good luck.

Rog, posters really gave you some good ideas! Hope you can act on them. Believe me, many of us have been right where you are now, and we got past it - and you can too. Sally told you not to try to "tough it out" - man oh man, that is sound advice, believe me. When you say you shouldn't hate it when you have to fly, I know what you mean. But you hate it for very good reasons - and if you get some professional assistance now, you'll crack the code and find out why. Trust me, this is not a "should not" situation - it is an "is" situation. You are not doing anything wrong. Accept how you feel, write down the description - and don't try to figure it out. Just get a clear idea of how you feel and when. And then get that help that's been advised. Take you notes with you. Look at Sally's words again - she has put you light years ahead toward a solution, if you'll try to trust and accept what she says. I really wish you the best!

Can relate Rog. Hate to fly (has nothing to do with 9/11), but love to travel! Used to try OTC sleeping pills. But those didn't work. Just in May finally had my doctor write me a prescription for just a few valium (.5mg). Took two and those did nothing either. Even had a glass of wine thinking the combo would work. I get so wired that even these drugs aren't working. So in two weeks I'm off on a cruise and got a new prescription for Xanax (.5mg) Said I could take 1-3 as needed. So I'm hoping that those combined with maybe another drink I'll be able to calm down. As long as the flight is calm, I'm pretty good. But just one little bump from turbulence... The other suggestions work as well. I can't fly without my cd player because music does help. I also ride a commuter train daily that sometimes is much more bumpier than a flight so I keep telling myself I'm just on the train. :) Good luck!

I live in the Albany NY area, and awhile back our local paper had an article about a fear-of-flying program at the airport. If I recall, it runs for weeks, with talks from pilots, etc., with videos and tape recordings to familiarize you with noises you might hear, and arms students with knowledge about safety, etc. The program ends with a day trip flying to BWI and Inner Harbor.<BR><BR>Most of those interviewed felt it really helped. A few decided to skip the final flight. Perhaps there's a similar program in your area??

I had a fear of flying, but for one reason or another, it went away. I've talked with many pilots, and the only thing about rough flights that bothers them is the extra paperwork, not the danger of crashing.<BR>Anyway, I took a flight on a B-24 bomber. It's open air and loud and small and takes turbulence like a punch to the jaw. Also I've flown in biplanes now. So I guess that's one way of overcoming fear.<BR>Hope it doesn't keep you from seeing this beautiful world. It does my father, and I feel bad for him (worse for my mother).<BR>Good luck.

I am an RN, although I don't practice anymore and I urge you not to take any of these drugs with alcohol. Alcohol is actually a depressant and can make you feel worse if you are suffering from generalized anxiety reaction. The psychiatrist that I see is a "psychopharmacologist", meaning a psychiatrist with specialized training in using medication to treat patients rather than the old therapy method. I only see him about every 6 weeks to check in with dose and side effects. You must imagine what it took for a nurse to admit she needed medical help! But, think of it this way, if you had bad allergies wouldn't you find a doctor and get on some medication instead of staying indoors all the time? Same thing. I think 9/11 was just the thing that pushed you over the edge. Please seek medical advice. It's only going to get worse as your body starts to break into this panic mode more often. You are not alone nor are you an inadequate person (although I came to thinking I was when I couldn't enjoy the flight the way my husband does) and docs can fix this just as they can give drugs to lower cholesterol.

I agree with the above poster who urges you not to take any of these drugs with alcohol. I'm a psychiatric nurse-therapist and just from a careful reading of your first post, it doesn't seem to me that you necessarily have a full-blown panic disorder. Having said that, obviously nobody can make a diagnosis without doing a real assessment, but my guess is that this is a specific, situational thing that would benefit from some cognitive/behaviour therapy such as what's offered in a fear-of-flying program. Drugs do work short-term, but every drug has side effects, and if for some reason you couldn't take your pill (you lost the bottle, you forgot to bring them, etc.) you'd be even more panicky. It would probably be best to have a sense of control that comes from inside you, rather than in a pill. Good luck!

Xanax+alcohol=major trouble.

I TOO HAVE SUFFERED WITH A FEAR OF FLYING SINCE 1986. I AM NOT SURE WHAT SET IT OFF, (PRE-1986 THERE WAS NO FEAR) IRONICALLY, 9/11 AND THE EVENTS OF THAT DAY HAVE CHANGED MY WAY OF THINKING. THE 8 FLIGHTS THAT I HAVE TAKEN SINCE THAT DAY (INCLUDING A TRIP TO HAWAII) HAVE ALL BEEN FEAR AND ANXIETY FREE. COMPLETELY! ALL OF THE HORROR THAT THOSE PEOPLE ON THE 4 AIRPLANES HAD TO ENDURE (AS WELL AS THE THOUSANDS OTHERWISE EFFECTED ON THE GROUND) MAKES ME FEEL LIKE MY PHOBIA IS EXTREMELY INSIGNIFICANT.

I agree with the other RN who says it doesn't sound like a full blown panic attack, but rather like situational anxiety. For me, however, I needed to break into the cycle via meds. I'm working on a lot of coping skills right now, but I couldn't have started that way. I am more concerned with the folks here who are mixing Valium etc. with alcohol. Fear of flying is a pretty common thing and the docs are able to deal with it, if the patients will only come to them. Good luck, Rog, and know that there are lots of us behind you.

It is so nice to get such positive and sincere responses to my anxiety. I am truly touched by all these posts and am so glad I used this to get this off my chest so to speak. Now I'm wondering should I go ahead and see my doctor about this before my next flight? I have been pretty much medically sound these 47 years and havn't been to my doctor except for routine checkups and x-rays. I haven't been on medication for the most part of my life and have had no "mental" problems ever until now. As I stated before I havn't shared this problem with my lovely wife; should I? I don't want to worry her and if I tell her I know she will "feel my pain" and worry. Again you wonderful people, thank you, thank you, thank you.

Rog, I wouldn't worry about labelling yourself as having a "mental problem" - you've got a situation that needs treatment of one sort or another, and it's absolutely nothing to be ashamed of. I would guess that your wife would rather be a source of support for you than be shut out of something that's causing you so much distress. It's a great idea to see your doctor, and my sense is that it will also be helpful to share some of this burden with your wife. It might ease your mind somewhat. We do have wonderful, effective medications available these days to help people deal with depression and anxiety, but I don't think that's necessarily the route for you to take. Your doctor will know best. We're all cheering for you here; we all know what it's like to feel afraid. Let the people closest to you, who know you and care about you, help in whatever way they can.

I absolutely agree with the above post. Go to your doc and get the best advice for your particular problem. Maybe after you've shared it with the doc, you can explain it to your wife and the two of you can make a plan. Bottom line though is you need medical advice and shouldn't hesitate to seek it. Good luck.

I've also been a semi-nervous flier for quite some time but my job requires a significant amount of travel so it's something I've had to deal with--in fact, I just flew home from Texas earlier today. I've found that the more I do it the less nervous I become. In any case, here are a few things that have helped me (short of medication, which I won't do).<BR><BR>1) Watch the flight attendants. If there were really something wrong you could see it in their faces. Think about all the members of retired pilot and flight attendant associations and how many times they must have safely flown in their lives.<BR><BR>2) Not all airlines (or planes) have this but try to find one that lets you listen in on the pilots--usually on channel 9 of your audio. I mostly fly United and this is available on almost all their planes now. It's really comforting to me to be able to hear what's going on. I know about turns before they happen because I can hear the air traffic controllers telling our pilot to make them. The same for climbs, descents and changes in airspeed. Now I never have to wonder if we're slowing down or turning, etc., etc. because something's wrong. Hearing the calmness in the pilot's voice makes me feel much calmer myself.<BR><BR>3) Do your research. Which airplane models are safest (i.e. avoid turbo-props)? Which airlines are safest? Which airports require trickier landings (i.e. avoid Reagan National)? How and why do accidents happen? Etc., etc. All of this helps me to feel more in control and therefore, less nervous. I can board that plane knowing that I've done everything in my power to ensure the odds are in my favor. Here are a couple links with good information:<BR><BR>http://www.airsafe.com<BR>http://aviation-safety.net/index.shtml<BR><BR>Good luck!<BR><BR>

I've been there. Xanax was my crutch for a little while, but frankly I got tired of dealing with the aftereffects, which can include "rebound" mini-anxiety attack, headache, and constipation. But it might be worth it to you just to get you back in the air enough times to get re-used to flying and reassured that you're ok.<BR><BR>Otherwise, I rely on music and comedy: tapes of favorite soothing music and/or tape of comedy routine from favorite comedian (or humorous book) that I haven't heard before. You aren't supposed to be listening to these things during take-off and landing but you can be listening to them up to taxi-ing and then about 10 min. after takeoff (sometimes less -- as soon as plane levels). <BR><BR>And just figure that the 24-48 hrs. before flight are worst, do what it takes to get through them, and don't tie yourself up panicking about whether you are going to panic!!!!!

Rog-<BR> I definitely think you should share your feelings with your wife. I mentioned in my earlier post that my fiancee thinks I'm a nut but he is so supportive when we fly together. He has a pilot's license and understands the mechanics of the plane, etc. so he reassures me that everything is "normal." He also helps to distract me by talking to me and holding my hand. It helps so much. I'm sure your wife would want to help you through this too and not want you to suffer in silence! Good luck to you!

Rog, Please let the rest of us know what you are doing with this problem. You are a very together person to be able to post your thoughts to strangers and ask for help. You certainly don't have "mental problems"--I think you are quite strong. I guarantee once you have talked with your doc and found him/her to be supportive you will begin to feel infinitely better. Keep in touch and good luck. Remember if the doc prescribes a certain med and you don't feel good on it, be sure to tell him. There are lots of ways to handle this problem, it's just a matter of finding what works for you as you can see from this thread.

Nina; You're so right in that this is a happy thread, I am amazed at the genuine people that have come here. I have had a lot of time to soul search this and with out you guys I would be lost or ongoing with my anxiety alone. Mike, bomber, icuy, June, Lisa, Cherish, Sis, x, Jane, Julie, help, your ideas have all become compiled in a list of "exercises" I plan to use! Ratchit: the website was very useful. Sally, mR, Also rn: Your professional advice is much appreciated, now my question; Do you think Pauls advice to "arm" myself with the knowledge I've been given, use it, and afterwards If I'm still terrified get medical help is a good "route to take"? You have said there are alot of ways to handle this problem, your opinions? Mee too, Dr. Head, xx: I am not to keen on drugs as I have not been on any for the majority of my life and would like to keep it that way. LOL. I await youre wonderful advice!! To hate to fly: I hope these people can make a difference for you! I know they have for me already.

Rog, I think Paul makes some really good points. However, from a professional point of view - often, phobic disorders start out as a fear that some disaster will happen, and then they become a fear of the panic attack itself. So it's possible that even armed with all the information you need, you'll get on the plane thinking "What if this doesn't work and I get scared again?" and then you get worried about the fear as much as about something going wrong with the plane. I would encourage you to talk with your doctor, not as a last resort, but rather as a positive way to lessen the intensity of your anxiety. Does that make sense? I'm not sure if I've clearly expressed what I mean. It still sounds as if you feel embarrassed or even ashamed to "have to" get help with this - it's not as if you've failed or have some kind of weakness. Please don't look at it that way. There shouldn't be any stigma attached to getting help from a doctor in order to feel better.

You know also, its like I almost "trust" or "value" the advice I am getting and I feel somewhat of a "security blanket" here at this post. Does that sound crazy? And yet I know exactly what you mean. You ARE making sense and I truly appreciate that. Would you believe I have had the same doctor (family practice) for all of my 47 years and I have talked to him face to face less than ten times? Would he be a confidant (professionally) in this matter? I know I shouldn't be embarrased about this, for I have learned it is a medical, chemical condition but all the same should I consult with him or another? It's funny, as I sit here typing I can't help but think about the day I can fly without fear, the buildup is messing with my mind, yet I feel alot better about it than I did before I posted this! Am I rambling or what! Time for bed, goodnight to all.

Hi, Rog - I wasn't ignoring you, I was out of town yesterday and didn't see your post until this morning. I can understand why you're hesitating about confiding in your doctor, if he's somebody you don't know very well. And I've certainly run across doctors who say "Oh, you're worried about something? Here, take these pills," and that's it. I don't know if you live in or near a city that has good crisis counselling available, or has programs developed specifically to deal with fear of flying. There are specialty programs like that in lots of places, because (as you're probably finding out from this forum) it's not an unusual fear. So let's look at it this way: what would be good would be to get some professional help from somebody you are comfortable with, and in general to avoid somebody whose FIRST response is a prescription for tranquillizers. Lots of places offer good, competent short-term therapy for situational anxieties and/or phobias. These therapies are effective and give you the control, rather than giving the pills the control. Hope this helps.

Rog, you are a developing phobic, just like me. I don't like drugs either, and I don't use the xanax any more, but it sure helped early-on to break the cycle of panic.<BR><BR>As "also" suggests, the trouble with a phobia is that it breeds other phobias, because you have become fearful of being fearful. A GP may not be much help unless he/she has a lot of sensitivity and knows someone to refer you to who will treat the phobia for what it is and not A)just rely on drugs or B)try deep personality analysis.<BR><BR>What broke my cycle of panic was a few visits to a phobia-specialist who used a combination of TEMPORARY one-time drugs (xanax) and teaching me relaxation/self-hypnosis. Gotta tell you, I'm a solid-gold cynic about things that seem New Age, but I was pretty desperate and finally got the hang of the relaxation/self-hypnosis, and it helped a lot in neutralizing acute attacks.<BR><BR>Finally, the most certain way to "cure" yourself of the panic is to keep doing the thing that terrifies you until it's much more routine. Each time you have a flight in which you "survive," it makes getting on the next flight easier. But the "bad news" is that once your body has learned to panic about stuff, you will always have the tendency to suffering panic attacks unless you know how to recognize them, deal with them, let them wash over you.<BR><BR>First get on the plane and take a trip or two THEN worry about whether you are completely crazy and need a full headshrinking. I doubt it -- but you do sound very much immersed in your current panic (using us as "blanket", etc.) -- so get help breaking those thought patterns and get on a plane!<BR><BR>It works -- I didn't fly for 10 years, now I have 48K frequent flier miles. I still have passing attacks of anxiety and every time I have a bad flight (lots of turbulence), it makes getting on the next plane harder. But at least I know what's going on and that I CAN keep on keeping on.