Hi, I have lost count of the number of times I have flown. I used to love it, then I put up with it... and now, well I hate it!

But I love to travel and have an 11 hour flight to USA from UK in 2 months time - my question is - has anyone taken tranquilisers or sleeping pills on a flight and if so how was it?

My fear began pre 9/11 but is worse since then... and I also seem to get claustrophic now - (never used to!)- can only afford economy class...

I am flying with BA.

Any help or advice welcome.

Thanks in advance.

What is BA?

Call your doctor and let him know how you feel and that you would like something to relax you but not make you groggy the next day.

bbib,
Consider Ambien (not sure if available in UK?) for your flight on British Airways. Your flight is long enough that you shouldn't experience a sleeping pill hangover or grogginess.

Ambien is great for this purpose. I use it for all my international flights!

I have a great "tranquilizer" for flights. It's called Dewar's.

Patrick, your solution is similar to mine.
After Mr. Stoli and I get together, screaming babies? NO problem! Snoring seatmates? NO problem! Chatty Grammas? NO problem! Person kicking the back of my seat or rapidly opening and closing their tray with a thump? NO problem!
I can then easily:
1. Ignore
2. Smile, laugh and get more vodka
3. Sleep

I understand completely how you feel. I went to my doctor and told him how I felt and he gave me Alprazolam .25mg/tablet. You take a pill half hour before flight and you are fine. It takes the edge off just enough. If you are in flight that long I would pop another pill 4 hours in. Good luck and have a great flight.

There was a similar post not long ago (if I can find it, I'll top it for you) -- and the consensus on that one was that Xanax is what you want. But fair to warn you to try out any medication ahead of time so you know how it affects you and how long it lasts.

Thanks everyone for your responses - will check the options...
Oh, for a tardis - do you guys know who Dr Who is? If not think beam me up Scottie...

Cheers from across the pond.

I know that alcohol works well for some people but keep in mind that it dehydrates you. The air on planes is already very dry. Getting dehydrated will exacerbate jet lag. So drink a LOT of OJ with that vodka!

go to a health food store

buy Rescue Remedy by Bach Flower Essences

don't question why, just know that it works

I have used it with good results

Panic can set in for people on a plane during pressurization...the amount of oxygen goes down.

At least give it a try. I keep it in my purse. It works for shock. I gave it to everyone at work the day of 9/11 and now we have lots of people who carry it with them all the time.

Do a Google on Bach Flower Essences or Rescue Remedy and you will find lots of info. LMF

Just don't stoli or trank yourselves to the point you would be unable to react or get out in case of an emergency. Happy flying....