Airplane anxieties..........

going on a cruise in a few weeks and and I am scared to death of flying since 9-11, actaully i have not been on a plane in years, i like both feet planted on the ground, any advice.. I knew I was going to have to get on a plane sooner or later becuase it leaves from Miami, but I am so freaked out . The deal was my FMIL will get on the parkway if I go on a plane, and FH has been all over the world. (Russia etc) Yikes! Help!!!!

Re: Airplane anxieties..........

I have these same anxieties.

What I do is close my eyes and take a deep breath as the plane takes off. Once we are up in the air I feel a little better , but I always bring things to distract me like books, magazines etc.

Re: Airplane anxieties..........

I had to get on a plane a month after 9-11 and I was terrified. I'm usually not afraid of flying but after what happened I was hysterical. I wound up having to take something for anxiety. I usually wouldn't recommend this, but it did help. Any doctor could give you something. Good Luck.

Re: Airplane anxieties..........

I've flown a dozen times since 9/11 - including a flight to Spain two weeks later. That was a little nervewracking, but I'm not going to let fear stop me from travelling.

There are a lot more safety procedures in place now then there were prior to 9/11. Even more just went into place on 1/1/2003. So its probably safer to fly now that ever before.

Sure there are risks involved, but there always were and always will be. You're much more likely to get killed in a car, then in a plane.

Don't let the anxiety get to you.

Re: Airplane anxieties..........

I have been on many flights since 9/11 and am flying to LA next week. I travel a lot for work.

I agree with Lisa that there are a lot more security procedures in place but I still get a little nervous. However, I have resolved myself to the fact that it is less dangerous now than it was before 9/11.

I know that there were many more people on the ground on 9/11 who lost their lives than those in the air.

We need to go about our lives as usual. Of course, be more observant and more cautious but go about regular life anyway.

Have a safe trip and enjoy the cruise. Incidentally, DH and I took a cruise two months after 9/11 (it was pre-planned and we decided we needed the vacation). It was very safe and we had a great time.

Re: Airplane anxieties..........

I've flown plenty of times since 9/11 because FH lives out there. i agree it was scary closer to 9/11 but its safer now than it ever was. and i heard it's even safer after the start of the new year.

definitely take things to distract you. going on night flights helps me cuz i can just go to sleep. just try to breathe and be calm and enjoy the flight (no matter how hard it is )

Re: Airplane anxieties..........

I've flown since 9-11... and I have to say that I was actually more calm... Especially when I saw the precautions that they take now. When I got to the terminal - I had to take my boots off (because they said they had to go through the scanner) - I was a lil' weirded out, but relieved to see how thorough they are with the way they handle things.
Also, I made sure that I bought a book (4 Blondes - which I recommend) and extra batteries for my discman - which my fi ended up using.
We had taken Jet Blue at the time and it was so great because their TV's are what kept us so occupied during the flight.
If you can, try to get some dramamine (sp?) or try to knock down a glass or 2 of wine at the airport bar - to relax you a lil'.

Re: Airplane anxieties..........

I flew 4 times since 9/11 & I'd have to say it felt much safer. The fact is the are VERY cautious now??? ESPECIALLY in NY airports. I remember calling the airline & at the time they said to be at the airport 2 hours before we were scheduled to leave. When it came up that I was from NY they said make it earlier! (Then again this was last Jan when they were as organized) We can't live in fear!! I know it's hard but just try to relax & a little prayer doesn't hurt anyone!! And of course as WishCandy said a little wine helps!

Re: Airplane anxieties..........

You have to take a deep breath and do it!!! But, thisis going to sound unorthodox- if you are one of those people that is going to panic or make yourself sick over this, ask your physician to prescribe some sort of fast-acting safe sedative- I'm not kidding- to allow you to breath and relax on this flight.... The flight will be over before you know it and you won't feel a thing...

Re: Airplane anxieties..........

i flew 12 days after 9/11-went to Aruba. I was never afraid of flying untill 9/11 but I am now OK again.
Take a deep breath, bring a book, magazines, crossword puzzles, anything to distract you. You will be fine. Just think of your destination on the other side

Re: Airplane anxieties..........

I also just went on a cruise for our Hm and it was our first time flying since 9-11. We left out of Miami. We flew Jet Blue and I was fine. I thought I was going to chicken out!!! Just think of all of the planes that fly each day and everyone is fine!!! Think about your trip. I also take a crossword puzzle that I have timed as to how long it takes me to finish it and I make a chart and cross off minutes until we land. I know that sounds crazy but it helps!!! (I know, insane).

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I returned from Florida on 9/10/01 @ 9PM!! The next day... 9/11. I used to fly about 3 times a year for vacations. Im SO nervous about getting on a plane again. I feel your pain! Ill **** it up and do it again I know. I just know I will be scared. I will keep telling myself... I can do it, I can do it, I can do it

Re: Airplane anxieties..........

Princess - I am the same way as you are. I like to travel, but I hate to fly. I always id, even before 9/11, but even more so since then. We just went to London for our honeymoon, and I was a nervous wreck about the plane. I do it because if you want to go places, you have to do it. I usually bring a walkman, but I forgot it this time

I must say, the security was so good. They checked everything. We both had to take off our shoes, they checked my entire pocketbook, etc. I have no problems with that especially since everyone is being checked.

I had thought about getting something from the doctor, but decided against it. I did alright. The little tv's helped. I agree with eveyone else, bring things to keep you occupied, it really helps.

Re: Airplane anxieties..........

Some people have a drink or two before they get on the plane to relax.

Re: Airplane anxieties..........

You will be fine. There are so much more precautions now. Try to get to the airport early and relax. Sit next to your hubby if possible. Say a prayer when you get on, if that would make you feel better. Happy flying

Re: Airplane anxieties..........

Am so glad I'm not the only one out there.... But I've been afraid even prior to 9/11. Every time I take a flight I say to myself I'm gonna take that fear of flying course the airlines have...and then I remember - you have to take a flight at the end

Although I am really afraid, I still fly...which I'm proud of. If you don't fly - you really will never see anything or go anywhere.

On my last trip I took an over the counter sleeping pill, although it didn't make me sleep, it really calmed me. I know exactly what you're going through - you should definitely try to take something to take the edge off....

Re: Airplane anxieties..........

You'll be fine and glad you got over this hurdle after you get to Miami.

Like it's been said in the posts above, there are so many security procedures in place. I have flown about a dozen times since 9/11 and I can see the improvements in security each time I go to the airport.

Just be sure to allow enough time to get through all the security checks at the airport. It can take no time at all but you wouldn't want to miss a flight.

Check your airlines website for allowable items on the plane - but you want to avoid sharp/pointy metal objects. Try to wear slip on shoes just in case they want to check your shoes for explosive material. When you pack your suitcase put personal items in big ziploc bags. If your suitcase is randomly selected for inspection you really don't want the security guards going through your underwear (and I am sure they don't want to either ) And don't use traditonal locks on your luggage, they may break them open anyway.

HAVE A GREAT TIME ON YOUR CRUISE!!!!!!!!!!

Re: Airplane anxieties..........

A friend of mine refused to even try to get over her fear of planes, made worse by 9/11 - she took a train to miami to catch her cruise - it was a very long and uncomfortable ride.

I'm usually not afraid of planes, however, I'm only human - so the first time I flew I was literally crying as I boarded the plane because I was so terrified - I had to take something to calm my nerves and then I went to sleep. Coming home I was over my fear (plus I really wanted to get home cause it was a lousy trip!)

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I love flying. I have flown a few times after 9/11 and I wasnt going to let fear stop me from traveling. I got on the plane, put my seat buckle on, took out a good book and just read. I was also flying jetblue so i had the tv on and was watching some game shows and cartoons.

You just have to take a deep breath and relax.