Hate the idea of flying...

Captain Slow IRL

Hi all,
Is there anything I can get over-the-counter in a chemist that'll help (or knock me out!), or do I have to go the doctor?

highlydebased

Bachs rescue remedy...herbal stuff


What dont you like bout it? talk to us in aircraft and aviation

NAGGIE03

Hate it myself! Im a really nervous flyer! Rescue remedy isnt bad!
Went on honeymoon last year an had five flights over the space of three weeks! Was dreading it! Went to the doctor and she gave me some Xanax! They are only mild but really done the trick imo!
Also you can do a fear of flying course online which is very helpful! Cant remember the actual name but i think its the first one on gooles listing! It shows lots of very reassuring videos, views from the cockpit etc and has loads of statisics to show that it really is tha safest method of transport!
http://www.fearofflyinghelp.com/

simonw

sounds like you really have a bad phobia of it, i wouldn't say the chemist would have something strong enough to relax you... I was on a flight from paris and the woman beside me was shaking as we were approaching take off, i started talking to her and it helped distract her from it a bit, so i don't know, find yourself a conversationalist!

Captain Slow IRL

Cheers for the replies.

I'll have 4 flights totalling about 20 hours, give or take, over a fortnight, and am really dreading them - the gf is worse, but I try to be brave about it! (I might slip her one as well!)

An Citeog

land9 wrote: »

Cheers for the replies.

I'll have 4 flights totalling about 20 hours, give or take, over a fortnight, and am really dreading them - the gf is worse, but I try to be brave about it! (I might slip her one as well!)

That's a sure way to pass a bit of time anyway!:p

I don't have any problems flying but just try to keep yourself distracted. Read a book, listen to music, think about your destination and ho worth it the flight is going to be etc. Basically, whatever you can to take your mind off things.

summer-rain

im the same totally terrified of flying!! yet i dont let it get in my way and travel a few times a year.
Xanex are good, if you're going to the doctor defo ask for a prescription, they're really cheap too, they make you feel really relaxed like you dont have a care in the world!
a couple of glasses of wine do the trick for me too, i've also found reading safety reports and how planes actually fly etc like that help me become more at ease with the whole huge piece of metal flying through the sky!!:pac:

Captain Slow IRL

Thanks for the replies, I'll see if the doc will give me a prescription for xanex.

I'm not afraid of flying - take off and landing are a bit of a rush really; it's more like spending time in the dentist's chair getting fillings - really uncomfortable and I'd rather be unconscious during it!

kippy

Hi,
I have the same fear now for a number of years. Its a completely irrational fear and for me some flights are worse than others.
I generally fly at least once a year but would prefer not to. At the moment I listen to music and read to distract myself. Most of the time the fear itself is actually more prevalent in the days coming upto the flight than the flight itself.
I am getting married next year and have to do something to make it easier for all the flights which will be part of the honeymoon. I may take the advice here and go see a doctor and possibly enrol in that online course.
Cheers for all the advice.
Kippu

How Strange

I take xanax and it's my saviour on long flights. I never drink alcohol while flying so I take one 30 mins before boarding and then another in a couple of hours and I usually sleep for up to 8hrs.

I also like to have an eye mask and ear plugs for just relaxing as the plane can be quite noisy.

Then I have my music, a magazine and a book.

Captain Slow IRL

How Strange wrote: »

I also like to have an eye mask and ear plugs for just relaxing as the plane can be quite noisy.

Wait til mobile phones are allowed on flights - then you'll know about noise!

Is it easy to be woken up while under the influence of xanax?!

rovers_runner

In a word ATIVAN.
Works a charm, much stronger than valium too so be prepared for a semi stoned experience.

Was at a stage this time last year where I was going for a couple of hypnosis session and wondering if i'd ever fly again.

Tested it with a short trip to London and it went great.
Have been to the States twice since so I'd consider it completely under control.

ev612337

I too hate flying. The best cure I've found is a driving licence and a ferry ticket, followed by a round trip cruise from a UK port. Me, my wife and our 3 kids go on at least one each year and have almost seen the world without once leaving the earth!

You can go anywhere in the world from Southampton, Harwich or Dover ports (and others). Drive to the UK port via ferry from Ireland and the cruise line usually throws in free port parking if you book through the right channels.

I know this may seem a bit extreme to many, but I REALLY don't do aviation in any form, and this is the solution we've found. When you understand it and experience it, it's also VERY good value for money compared to other holiday experiences.

Hopefully one day some of the cruise operators who appeal to families with young people etc. will cruise from and back to Irish ports. Until then, the only option is a drive to a UK port. Well worth it in my opinion, and I've done it many times.

I think we were not meant to fly!

Naked Lepper

ev612337 wrote: »

I think we were not meant to fly!

thats a completely irrational fear, have you ever flown?

its really not that bad man, in fact some of the views are absolutley breath taking.

How Strange

land9 wrote: »

Wait til mobile phones are allowed on flights - then you'll know about noise!

Is it easy to be woken up while under the influence of xanax?!

Yes, you wake up out of it very quickly so you wouldn't be putting your own safety at risk. I'm female and I travel on my own so I wouldn't use anything that would make me groggy or incapacitated and put my personal safety at risk. It's just like being in a deep sleep.

Captain Slow IRL

ev612337 wrote: »

I too hate flying. The best cure I've found is a driving licence and a ferry ticket, followed by a round trip cruise from a UK port. Me, my wife and our 3 kids go on at least one each year and have almost seen the world without once leaving the earth!

You can go anywhere in the world from Southampton, Harwich or Dover ports (and others). Drive to the UK port via ferry from Ireland and the cruise line usually throws in free port parking if you book through the right channels.

I know this may seem a bit extreme to many, but I REALLY don't do aviation in any form, and this is the solution we've found. When you understand it and experience it, it's also VERY good value for money compared to other holiday experiences.

Hopefully one day some of the cruise operators who appeal to families with young people etc. will cruise from and back to Irish ports. Until then, the only option is a drive to a UK port. Well worth it in my opinion, and I've done it many times.

I think we were not meant to fly!

I'm going west - my holiday would be over before I hit the states!

ev612337

Queen Mary 2 - Southampton -> New York = 6 days. Same on the way back. No Jet Lag and much pleasure. They do round trip holidays including a 3-4 night stay ina NY hotel etc. See cunard.co.uk

WindSock

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/forumdisplay.php?f=1032

There's the phobia forum, try having a look in there for some tips!

Captain Slow IRL

Thanks windsock!
Went to the doc - he gave me anxicalm (diazepam)