I hate air planes!

[Evil Queen]

Yet I have to get on one soon. :cry:

I'm taking a plane back to the motherland (North Carolina) into ATL (I know, Atlanta is in Georgia, not North Carolina). I hate planes. With a great passion. So how do you guys deal? I'm okay when the plane is idling, waiting for take off. But once it pulls away from the gate and actually takes off I'm a very little girl in a flying brick! :cry:

I've tried reading and my mind wonders. I imagin the plane is going to crash! I've tried taking naps but that only helps for 10 minutes at a stretch.

The flight isn't until September, to which I'll be driving my old Saturn back to Houston (Sorry Dad, but the Saturn is still mine). I'll be gone for 4 days, 5 tops. But the flight really worries me.

Help me out! Just thinking about it makes me want to cry!

[Gravekeeper]

I don't mind flying personally. But if you're flying America West, Delta or US Airways you may end up talking to me before you get anywhere =p

Take an aisle seat, try and get a seat near the wings so you get less feeling of movement. Then drug yourself up. Thats what my mom does since she has vertigo. Couple Graval or a hit of Nyquil and you're good till the plane lands. -.-

My biggest problem on flights is fighting boredom and complete lack of leg room for my gangly self.

[SteeleDragon78]

if your flight is less than 3 hours, i would advise popping a benedryl or something to help you nap. i rarely fly but when i do that helps. also remember that there are more auto crashes in houston alone this year than all the crashes for aircraft since its invention. your more than safe. if you cant sleep, take a ds or psp, dont sit on the window or close the shade. hell a shot of jim, jack, or jose before boarding will settle you right down. (the lowered pressure allows the alcohol to work faster).

[Acolyte]

I'm useless, because I love flying (Especially the takeoff...:rolleyes:). However, my suggestion would be to pop a light sedative or something to knock you out for the flight.

[tropicsgoddess]

I haven't flown in a while (4 years..:ashamed:) but if you have a laptop, bring it. Along with any good books you have to read and/or PSP/Gameboy. If those won't do, your friends Jim,Jose and Jack can. ;) But remember, friends don't let friends drink and type or game.

[sms001]

I feel for you EQ.

I wish I had some good advice, but I can't think of anything you probably haven't already googled - planes are safer than tub bath, roller coasters, etc. Are getting liquored/drugged up an option?

To commiserate, I have this quick little story. I have been flying since literally before I was born - mom was a stew. I went by myself the first time when I was about six. I like everything about air travel - the crowds, the noise, the smells, the speed, the pressure. Heck, I probably racked up 5000 miles on Southwest going to Chicago to court my wife. (Herb sent us a very nice crystal bowl for the wedding.) It is my first option for any travel over 300 miles, and I've done it a LOT.

What I hadn't done a lot - or ANY, was any puddle jumpers - those little 12 seaters that serve smaller markets. So a few years ago I'm dating a woman and we decide to go to Disney World. I book us, and see that we can fly out of our small town for only a hundred bucks more. I do the gas/parking math and realize we'll come out ahead so off we go to Columbia Regional Airport. VAB has NEVER flown before. I reassure her, tell her all the junk in my first paragraph and dust off my macho. When she sees me practically bored next to her, she'll be calm as ice, right?

The little jet taxis down the runway and off we go. I explain as much of the process as I can - "That's the cabin air coming on - we won't need it at our altitude." "Those are the wheels retracting." "That's turbulence." The last, however, was kind of squeaky. Vab was having a wonderful time, she was in the air. "Look there's... " and "Everything looks so cool so small..." etc. To her, this was a perfectly normal flight. Planes were supposed to bounce up and down ten feet at a time. To someone who had only flown big jets, it was terrifying! I had NO idea that little planes jumped around so. In fact, because of all my "experience" I KNEW they weren't supposed to!!! And I couldn't share my fear, 'cause I didn't want to ruin things for my friend.

So when you head up, embrace your fear, realize that it's baseless and distract yourself as best you can. And in the back of your mind, think about the fact that you're probably not the most frightened person on the plane, and thank dog you're in a real plane, not some fancied up kite excuse for one.

[Evil Queen]

The flight is estimated to be a little over two hours long and I'm hoping for an early morning flight.

Thanks for the tips so far, anymore?

I'm currently browsing the list of things I CAN take on the plane. So much better then one of the last times I flew (which they took everything that was at one point liquid, including my toothpaste!).

I used to fly a couple times a year when I dated the EX. For some reason he HAD to fly me out to TX while I was living in NC and TN. I think that might be part of why I hate flying. The idea always reminds me of my EX.

I wish my SO could come with me, but he says he can't. :cry:

[freeatlast]

I'm with you - I hate flying too! I flew for the first time about a year and a half ago. I thought I was prepared for it, but I found out during takeoff just how fast you can resign yourself to the fact that you are going to die and there is nothing you can do about it. That point during takeoff - when the plane just kind of hangs there before continuing up nearly did me in. I was convinced that it was going to fall out of the sky and we were all going to die. Then, I was sitting in a window seat just behind the wing. There was alot of turbulence the entire flight and I could see the wings kind of give. Landing was very nerve wracking, but for me was probably about the best of the flight. Add to that - I am extremely claustrophobic, so my daughter warned me NOT to go to the bathroom on the plane for fear of having a really embarassing panic attack. I flew from Indy into Phoenix. In Phoenix, there were miles of peoplemovers to cover before getting to where my parents could meet me. As soon as I found them, I handed them all my stuff (purse and carryon) and without me saying a word, my Dad said "the restroom is right over there.":lol: That was the longest 4 1/2 hours of my life on that plane where they kept handing out sodas and bottled water when I didn't dare try to use that bathroom. The way I see it, I will probably fly in the future only because of the time factor. But I most definitely will not enjoy it. I passed the time by staring out the window to try to figure out where we were for most of the flight.

[Peppergirl]

If you're flying into ATL from Houston, I'd imagine you're either flying Delta or Continental.

Here's a tip I give to nervous flyers:

As you're sitting on the plane, if you experience turbulence or anything that makes you nervous, look around at the travelers with the little tags on their briefcases that says 'Delta gold/platinum Medallion' (for Delta) or 'One Pass Elite' (for Continental). Now, if THOSE particular road-warrior travelers look nervous, you go right ahead and BE NERVOUS.

However, if they look calm and relaxed, then sit back and enjoy the ride. Everything will be fine, i promise. :)

[Amethyst Hunter]

Oh how I know this one only too well.

I HATE planes. Hate them, hate them, hate them, hate them, HATE. I can - no lie - count on one hand the number of times I have ever flown in my life, and the majority of those were done when I was too young to remember it (thankfully). The last time I ever flew on a commercial flight was in 1999 (family trip, definitely not my choice of transport!) and I kid you not, I *literally* spent that *entire* 2 1/2 hours shaking and crying like a sniveling little puddle in my seat, I was so scared.

And this was well BEFORE 9/11, mind you. Now you couldn't *pay* me to get on a plane. All the safety stats in the world mean nothing to me. I *refuse* to go through that again. (And it's worse for me because my dad LOVES friggin' airplanes and used to be a pilot (not commercial, sport) himself :cry: ) I am and always will be a car person - and yeah, I know all about the stats on those, but it just doesn't bother me the way that planes do.

So yeah. Not a fan of flying, so I second the motions about indulging in a little 'medicinal therapy'. :hug:

[Becks]

I like flying. I enjoy taking off, and landing isn't too bad. It's just the feeling when the wheels touch the ground that kinda worries me.

Personally, I HATE sitting anywhere but in front of the wings. If the wings fall off, I do not want to know about it.

[iradney]

Speaking as someone who has flown over 100 times, you can try some Bach's Rescue Remedy. It helps soothe the nerves and doesn't have any bad side-effects (that I know of!)

[Jester]

I have no issue with flying, other than how completely and utterly boring a travel day usually is.

That being said, my mother Does Not Fly anymore. And when I say she doesn't fly, I mean AT ALL. Not even to go see her daughter who lives in England. Hell, for her other daughter's wedding, Mom and my stepdad Smitty drove across the country, from Arizona to New Jersey. (For Lil Sis's wedding, they were living in NJ and the wedding was in NY, so there was no flying issue.)

I believe the last time she flew was with me and Smitty to my cousin The Beard's wedding....which was, oh, about 13-15 years or so ago. Now, as I said, I don't mind flying, and Smitty has actually piloted planes for recreation--both he and my stepbrother have pilot's licenses. So there we are, the three of us on a plane. Smitty and I know that Mom is a major White Knuckle Flyer. So being the compassionate, caring souls we are, we did everything we could to calm her down, right?

Are you kidding me? Hell no! Smitty and I spent our time absolutely torturing that poor woman. Every time there was the slightest noise, both of us would be like, "What was THAT!!?!?!?!!" even though WE both knew it was just the crew loading the luggage. Yes, we were doing this before we even left the ground. And we kept it up the entire way from Phoenix to DC.

Did I mention that that was Mom's last flight? :lol:

But fear not, I do have some tips for you. While flying doesn't phase me, it does bore me to tears, and my boredom remedy will probably help your fear of flying. To wit: get loaded. :drink: Drink up, my friend....what the hell else are you going to do? Just make sure you have someone to pick you up at the other end. Car rental companies tend to frown on their customers being snockered when they go to pick up a car. :lol: Bonus points if you don't tell the person picking you up that you are going to be pickled. I've done that, most memorably to my older sister, The Witch, and it was priceless.

Or you can go Mom's route, and just not fly. Yes, with gas prices, driving is expensive, but you can make your own schedule, you don't have to worry about what you can and can't bring with you luggage-wise, it can be loads of fun stopping at various things along the way, especially if you drive with a friend, and you don't have to freak the hell out about flying.

My biggest problem on flights is fighting boredom and complete lack of leg room for my gangly self.

Ah, one of the few benefits I get from being short. :D

[RetailWorkhorse]

*Great big stupid grin* :D Plaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaanes~!

Leave your toothpaste at home, EQ, I got some you can use. I'll load the car up with water and sodas so you have something to drink when you get back on the ground, too.

Bring a portable CD player with some music and a sketch book so you can draw and colour. Since Mom and Dad's going to be picking you up (sorry, Chii, I have work) I don't think they'd be very happy with a giggly drunk EQ on their hands and you'd have to sober up for the ATTAAAAACK of The Mel ('cause...you know I will).

I think that's it.

OH! One more thing!

PLANES ARE MADE PRIMARILY OF GLUE! :angel:
Okay, I know I might get some flack about that, but I watched an episode of Made In America and it was a Boeing 747 that they were making. Guy that plays Cliffy from Cheers hosted. Stupid plane looked like it made primarily with glue to me.

[Evil Queen]

...

Excuse me while I go wretch.

[Sliceanddice]

do what i did.
Play a video game for as long as possible, or just read a book, a good book, one that will catch all of your focus.
it helped me.
when al else fails, half a dose of sleeping plls, calms me down.

[friendofjimmyk]

I used to not mind flying until this last trip I took to Reno. We had one transfer in Denver. For some reason, I get motion sickness now. I used to love it when the plane took off, but this last trip, I noticed that my stomach did not like it so much. Add to that the hellacious turbulence I experienced on one of the legs of the trip, I thought I was going to have to reach for the doggie bag.

Next time I fly, I know I'll probably be taking some dramamine. I also get sick on small, slow moving boats. (I'm okay on big oceanliners and speed boats) When I went to Hawaii, we took an early morning boat ride to the side of Kauai that you can't see unless your by boat or helicopter. I took two dramamine on the way to the boat, I saw the pretty side of the island, but shortly after, I fell out. I slept all the way back. Next time, I'll just take one!

I agree with those who say if you are that nervous, it wouldn't hurt to talk to your doctor and see if he could give you a valium or a xanex. If not, Nyquil or benadryl would do the trick. My only problem with planes is that the coach section SUCKS for trying to nap. I hate that they make you walk through first class to get to the cheap seats. I see those seats and get so jealous. Nice and big, leg room, lean back, plent of space. BASTARDS!

[RetailWorkhorse]

...

Excuse me while I go retch.(Fixed that for you, Miss Writer.)

After all these years you still listen to me? Shocking. Chilly down, it's just two hours.

[SteeleDragon78]

PLANES ARE MADE PRIMARILY OF GLUE! :angel:
Okay, I know I might get some flack about that, but I watched an episode of Made In America and it was a Boeing 747 that they were making. Guy that plays Cliffy from Cheers hosted. Stupid plane looked like it made primarily with glue to me.
rwh, while the 747 may have a lot of "glue" i can assure most everyone that they are still quite safe. this "glue" you speak of is actually epoxy resin. they use it to make the composites tougher. most of the composites on a 747 are kevlar, but also some fiberglass. and having taken most of the training for working on aircraft, they will take a LOT of stress. and dont worry about the engines falling off or anything. theyre held on by 3 heafty engine mounts, bigger than my fist, made of titanium.

on a side note, if you ever want to "glue" someone to a chair, ladder, desk, underside of a wing, epoxy is the way to go.... now i have to go hide evidence on my evil past.

[strawbabies]

If 1 or 2 drinks will relax you, go for it. But do not get drunk! FAA regulations stipulate that if you are under the influence, the airline cannot let you on the plane.

[smileyeagle1021]

I used to not mind flying until this last trip I took to Reno. We had one transfer in Denver.!

just be grateful you didn't have to transfer in Vegas (yes I know, it is stupid to have to transfer planes when going from Salt Lake to Reno... which is why I almost never fly because it doesn't actually save time, btw, I like the picture in the photos section friendofjimmyk, had the camera been turned just a little to the north you would have been able to see my mother's house... anyway...) Vegas has the worst approach in the country, and coming from Vegas gives you a pretty shitty approach into Reno as well... oh yeah, comforting EQ, I actually enjoy flying so I don't have that much advise, but definitely bring a book... if it's good enough you may even find yourself on the ground and not how you got there (sadly I had that happen while reading the DaVinci code while on approach to SFO).

[RecoveringKinkoid]

You can go to the doc in the box and tell them you have anxiety about flying and could they prescribe a sedative. Probably, they'll give you some Valium.

Or, you could get drunk in the airport, if you have the ability to hide it and you have a sober handler.

I've done both.

Have the same problem, but I've had to fly a couple times. Some of those times were for my job. But I do not fly unless I am pretty seriously chemically impaired in some way.

[Evil Queen]

Oddly enough I hold my [hard] liquer very well. It's the cheap Bitch Beers I have problems with.

[RayvenQ]

It's a good job I'm not going to be on the plane next to you, I'd be teasing the hell out of you, shaking you and all that :lol: