ANYONE... who can give me TIPS to overcome fear in riding an airplane

airplane - Tips to overcome fear in riding an airplane
Philippines
March 27, 2007 7:26pm CST
some people are afraid to ride an airplane whenever they travel long distance trips, just like me. i wanted to take the ship instead but it's getting me upset because it takes three to fours days of travelfrom my place. the same when i take the bus. it's time consuming and tiresome. i want to reach my destination the quickest way possible. so i'd like to take the airplane instead. but i have always these negative thoughts on my mind like: 1. plane accidents that happened lately because of the terrorists, 2. the pilot has not slept well before boarding time, and that he might be sleeping during the travel, 3. i see only clouds during the travel, 4. the plane might run out of gas and crash on the water, 5. the landing gears may not function properly upon landing,and a lot more... WILL ANYONE PLEASE SHARE SOME TIPS TO MAKE ME FEEL COMFORTABLE AND POSSIBLY EASE UP MY TENSION WHENEVER I RIDE AN AIRPLANE?
3 people like this
23 responses
@Stringbean (1273)
• United States
28 Mar 07
Some people ask their doctors for a mild seditive to relax them before a plane trip. Others resort to hypnosis. I usually tell myself that my life is in God's hands. He already knows how and when I will leave this world and nothing I can do will change it. If it is on a plane that He chooses to call me home, so be it. I know it can be scary, but just do it. (The plane will not run out of gas. My husband is a pilot and I know that planes are checked out thoroughly before every flight to make sure they are gassed up and airworthy.)
• Philippines
28 Mar 07
you made me feel assured...thanks
• United States
28 Mar 07
I was afraid of flying at one time because I hadn't done it before. But after my first time I was fine. I mean I still get a bit of jitters, but I know I will be fine. 1. I usually just pray before I leave and believe that God is going to get me safely to the other side. 2. The pilot is not allowed to fly more than 12 hours so they have a policy for the pilot and he has to be alert. There is also a co-pilot and I doubt both will be tired at the same time. They have stewardest that check on them as well. There is also auto pilot and that doesnt get tired. 3. There are more accidents everyday every second of the day in cars than there have been in the history of plane crashes. You are actually safer in the air than you are driving to work or taking a bus or just walking across the street. 4. If you don't like what you see, close the shade or get an isle seat and try not to look. I think it is quite fascinating myself to be flying through the clouds. 5. Do something to distract you of the fact that you are flying. Bring your favorite pass time (if it is something portable) If you are on a long flight put on the head phones and watch some movies, I usually do that myself. 6. The plane won't run out of gas.... They have been flying for years and knows how much gas it takes to get where they have to go. All the gages are checked prior to take off. 7. Fly with family and friends, it is always better to fly and have someone to hold a conversation with, the time flies by that way. Or make a new friend with the person you are sitting next to. Start by asking "Do you fly much?" then continue on from there. 8. Realize that it will be over soon, so take a nap so that you can be refreshed when you get to where you are going. best of luck and happy trails. I actually love to fly now, the fact that it gets me where I have to go so quickly really is a plus for me.
3 people like this
• Philippines
28 Mar 07
starting now, i think i will be flying more as often as can be. you really made me feel safe.
• Philippines
28 Mar 07
The best thing to do in prder to overcome your fear when riding a plane is just to day dream or think of happy thoughts while looking at the sky, in that sense you'll be more relaxed =)
1 person likes this
@judyt00 (3497)
• Canada
28 Mar 07
The first thing you need to do is realize thattraveling by plane is the safest method of travel, millions of people fly every week, and there are just 2 or 3 crashes each year. Pilots are not allowed to fly more than 12 hours at a time with 12 hours between.And if he is tired, there is always a co-pilot and navigator who are also licenced pilots who can take over. Planes are no farther than a few hours from an airport at any time, and if they did run out of fuel, they would get notice long before they would crash, there are also jets that travel at mach 2 and can refuel any jet in the air. Really, you ae much safer on a plane than anywhere else besides your own home!
3 people like this
• Philippines
28 Mar 07
many thanks for your information. you're helping me get rid of negative thoughts about airplane accidents.
@cefaz_21 (2596)
• Philippines
28 Mar 07
Hi ryanphil! a lot has been said by other respondents so I'm sure you've ease up a bit now..go and book that flight now..it will be safe, why? as long as you are in God's hands, you are safe. You just have to entrust your life to the Lord.you're right! He controls everything, even the clouds and air and rain..so is the plane and the pilots hands. Enjoy your trip!
1 person likes this
• Philippines
28 Mar 07
sure...i feel am secured and safe now with all the tips tehy gave me. after all, the Lord takes control of everything. He will be my PILOT. Thanks to all...who responded
• United States
28 Mar 07
I can tell you exactly what to do. Get yourself a Bible and memorize Psalm 91. Pray it over yourself and your family every morning and every night. Psalm 91 is God's promise of protection. I would also highly recommend reading the entire book of Psalms. I think you will find it very comforting. I'd suggest reading it outloud to yourself because you believe what you speak more than you believe anyone else. Start speaking what God has to say about your situation and life and you'll be surprised how quickly fear of any kind will disappear from your life.
• Philippines
29 Mar 07
a friend of mine also told me to always bring a bible and read that psalm 91. thanks so much.
@mishy24 (88)
28 Mar 07
As i'm sure you are aware this is a fairly common fear. Pointing out the obvious but that doesn't help you. There are ways to over come this, such as slef help books, hypnosis which can help with this issue. choose an airline you feel happy with and have confidence in. Learning some relaxation exercises incase you get tense while in the air can help, as well as positive thinking. Always trust the flight crew - they want to make it too! Keep yourself rereshed and don't dehydrate. Oh and not to mention try to keep yourself distracted for as much of the journey as possible, bring books, magazines, walkmans or whatever else it takes to take your mind off your fear. I guess you have two choices, let the fear stop you from what to do OR face your fear. I admire you for wanting to face your fear as this is not always easy. http://www.flyingwithoutfear.com/ is a helpful website. It's dedicated to helping people over come their fear of flying. It has lots of helpful information as well as hints and tips.
@inovator (603)
• Philippines
28 Mar 07
just pray and stay calm......enjoy your trip....
1 person likes this
@ToMatriX (94)
• Indonesia
28 Mar 07
first, perhaps keep on positive thinking second things, follow all the rule for safety Last but not least, u're in good and God hands. meaning what ever happen to you, it would be for your on goodness.
1 person likes this
@lpetges (3036)
• United States
28 Mar 07
i only started to fly when i hit 40, (4 years ago), and i was so afraid it was pathetic. well, i finally decided driving everywhere took valuable time out of our vacations, not to mention total boredom, and cost of gas, and the whole uncomfortable seating. So, i went to my doctor, and asked for something to make me "tranquil", and i tell you what, i fly every chance i get now! i would never spend another 20 hours driving somewhere. Now, my youngest son has been taking flying lessons (17 years old), and get his license in one month),, and he will be attending an aeronautical accademy to finish for commercial flights upon graduating this june! So all of those years I wasted driving, i could have flown...and now i plan on flying free in the future!!! so dont be afraid,, have fun, and see the worldd-you only get one life!!
1 person likes this
@dbeast (1495)
• India
28 Mar 07
well the best way is to think you are not in a plane.do not sit by the window.just imagine you are going in a bus and nothing will happe.try to doze off.that will ease you out off all the tension.if not take a few rounds of drinks.that ll do the trick.
1 person likes this
• United States
28 Mar 07
Planes are safer than cars!! Think about it...we can go a whole day without hearing about a plane crash, but we drive down the highway and see two or three of them. I'm afraid of flying too but it's more of the heights/motion sickness that get to me rather than thinking the plane is going to fall out of the sky. Go to your doctor he can perscribe you either sleeping pills (which I wouldn't suggest...you don't want to fall asleep while you are waiting for your connecting flight and miss it!) or some sort of other medication that will relax your nerves. I always take cough syrup before I fly...it makes me just drowsy enough to sleep on the plane but I don't fall into a deep, heavy sleep so I don't have to worry about missing any connecting flights. Good luck when flying!
@gegegelay (933)
• Philippines
28 Mar 07
My first time to ride an airplane was just last year. I wasn't really scared, but I don't like turbulence.. that's what i'm afraid of. I suggest you pray, it will ease you up, there's no better way than this ;) Or probably, just sleep and forget that you're on a plane.
• Philippines
28 Mar 07
fear of heights is normal. just don't freak out and panic while inside the plane. just think of it that the chance of car accidents are higher than plane crashing and ship sinking. ;)
1 person likes this
@y4175317 (204)
• Indonesia
28 Mar 07
of course ride an airplane was teribble. i have ever ride an aeroplane,i was very afraid. but teh second time i felt just relax,maybe u could eat bublu gam and listen the music and look outside of the scenery. that was very amazing.you may tri this,i hope u enjoy ur flight
1 person likes this
@jmp824 (741)
• Philippines
28 Mar 07
I just had my very first plane ride last week. It was just an hour ride from cebu to manila. Days before the trip, i was so excited, cos for the first time i'll be able to ride an airplane. I'm already sick and tired riding a boat. :) So this time it's for a change. I was with my hubby so i felt like secure and safe (newayz hubby is here). Hes been to a lot of long distance plane rides already, so hes kind of know what to do. Newayz, he doesnt gave any tips on what to do, i think he relies on my instinct to manage things. :). When we were onboard, the only thing i was holding was my little prayer book, i havent read it for months, but i carried it on that trip. I prayed. And mind you i enjoyed the flight. Though theres this little goosebumps on my stomach bec. of what might happen, but I ask God to take control. And I think He did. ;. Looking forward to more plane rides. heheheh
1 person likes this
@shk1983 (142)
• India
28 Mar 07
don't worry man, if u r lucky then u can pass every barriers in the life. If u r not lucky then a small problems will became a biggest problems of your life. Your life is not controlled by u, somebody else is controlling your life he will decide , what to do when sit on the aeroplane. be brave, face the problems.
1 person likes this
• Philippines
28 Mar 07
i experienced riding a plane only once (back & fort). that was when i'm 12 years old, i went to hong-kong to see my aunt, and i traveled alone. honestly, i don't have any idea or tips on how to overcome your fear in riding an airplane, coz i never felt scared, maybe because i'm younger that time, and also my travel is very near, about 1 and a half hours only. i didnt enjoy the travel that much.
1 person likes this
• Philippines
28 Mar 07
I think the best cure for overcoming fear is facing your fear. I was also so scared then in riding an airplane but my job called for frequent travels by plane. My job helped me overcome one of my deepest fears. It would also help to have a conversation with the person beside you. And I could not have done it without the rosary I always have in my pocket. In one of my flights I finished 2 mysteries in a row. It made a lot of difference. I hope these help.
@graciela (147)
• Canada
28 Mar 07
Try not to focus on your fear. It's important to think positively. Try to picture in your mind that you're enjoying the ride and arriving safely. Think of activities that you can do during the trip to divert your attention. Most importantly,say a prayer before boarding. It helps a lot.
1 person likes this
• United States
28 Mar 07
Oh first, ask for an asile seat, or if yoiu have to sit by the window close the shade. This was you do not have to see the clouds. Take some nightquill before you board and sleep for your flight. You can also ask your general practioner to prescribe you a senadive. Also know that more people dye in car accidents then they do in plane accidents. Do you not drive or ride in a car? If so then you are affraid of the wrong thing. I am not trying to be mean I am just trying to help. So I am sorry if I come across flip, I do not mean to.