Fear of flying

Go by boat instead.

After you get where you're going, take off your shoes and your socks. Then walk around on the rug barefoot and make fists with your toes. I know, it sounds crazy. Trust me, I've been doing it for nine years. Yessir, better than a shower and a hot cop of coffee.

I can't say I'm afraid of flying, but I did get a bit nervous during my flight from NYC to Dublin. Having constant mild turbulence during a flight is one thing... doesn't bother me at all. Having a window seat overlooking one of the wings with said wing seemingly flapping is something else entirely.

quote Zero Tolerance

Anyone else scared of flying? Any useful advise on how to get over it, or statistics to put my mind at rest? I mean I know the chances of dying in a plane crash are almost one in about seven thousand, but even so..

Get some boiled sweets to suck on takeoff too. Nothing to do with getting over the fear, but it'll help stop your ears popping so much from pressure changes

WangChung, you're my hero.

I love flying. Just try to listen to some music and watch a film or something. it'll pass in no time. Failing that, go to your doctor ad he'll give you a mild sedative for the flight.

Sleep.

What flight is it? If it's a long haul, and it's your first time, why not get a really cheap return trip somewhere domestic or to France or something, for the day, just to get accustomed, like a practice a few weeks before the real thing. Flying is one of the safest modes of transport possible, really there's nothing to worry about. And most security search systems are extremely stringent, unless you're US domestic [and I'm not even sure about that, it was a long time ago]. You really have nothing to worry about.

Nice piece of info there, Axarcrie...

FYI: If you're on long haul and look at the wings just before takeoff, and they appear to be closer to the ground than you expected, don't worry. Fuel is stored in the wings. They'll stop sagging by the end of the flight, and with the lift created in the air, it won't make a difference.

I was afraid of flying too, but I chose a windowseat on my last flight just to try and overcome that fear. During takeoff I felt the fear return and I almost vomited, but after we got into the air, the ground shrank away so quickly that it was easier to relax.

I also suggest bringing along a book, a mp3 player and some kind of electronic device to destract yourself. Your residual fear kind of melts away quickly when you're involved in something fun.