Fear of flying causing problems

polly_wolly

Hi Im wondering if anyone out there is in the same situation. I really really hate flying, have tried sedatives, psychotherapy and hypnotherapy all to no avail. I could live with this myself but the problem is my fiance loves his holidays. Ive already cancelled 2 holidays at the last minute because I couldn't go through with it.
He's been very good about it but now Im feeling guilty and worried.
We are getting married this year and I know it means so much to him to have a decent honeymoon. The furthest Ive gotten in ten years is England/Scotland.
Im always hearing about people who are afraid of flying, does anyone have advice about how to stop it affecting your relationship?
Thanks.

Attol

I hate flying and always panic like mad on planes but I've told myself that I am not going to let it affect me and my quality of life. In saying this, my fear has never been quite as bad as yours. Generally a beer or two and I'll be nicely calmed!

When my ex and I were flying he'd hold my hand and let me snuggle up to him for take-off and landing

Don't sit by the window seat, close your eyes for take-off and landing and think of how great your holiday will be.

Good luck!

Moomoo1

can't you go for a cruise? Or is that too expensive?

shellyboo

You have to fly to a specific port to get most cruises afaik... Not sure there are too many luxury/exotic ones leaving from Ireland!

Have you spoken to your doctor about it? I guess you have because of the sedatives.

How about going somewhere in continental Europe? Bus to the UK, Eurostar... And then the Orient Express; or Venice; South of France... Lots of options

Ok, it's more expensive and not as convenient as air travel - but do you want to start and end your honeymoon a nervous wreck? That's unfair on you, it's your honeymoon too!

LegacyUser

I'm training to be a commercial pilot at the moment and I was thinking what I could say to put your mind at rest...

1.) Even if ur plane loses power from engines it will still fly.
2.) Pilots are trained to handle all situations.
3.) Planes are built to sustain huge pressures. You can bend a wing ridiculous amounts.
4.) Radar keeps planes apart and if that fails the aircraft have computers to keep them apart too.
5.) Even if you do crash you have a huge chance of surviving.
6.) Irish airlines have a huge safety record. Ryanair, Aer Lingus(apart from a contentious crash in the '30's or '40's) and Aer Arann have never had fatalities. Think of it! Ryanair fly hundreds of flights and the equivilant of Croke Park every day!!! and never had 1 dead person... That's an amazing record!


Aer Arann in conjunction with a company run special flights to slove this problem.

I hope you mange to conquer your fear. Flying is so safe and really enjoyable. The views, the airport and the atmosphere.... I find it really exhilerating!

Good luck!

Qprmeath

http://web.me.com/flyfearless/Flyfearless/Welcome.html

I know a few people who have used this with great success.

LegacyUser

Loads of cruises leave from ports like Southampton in the UK, so you could get the ferry to England and then go on a cruise from there.

cafecolour

As shelly said, you can get to all of Europe via bus/train if you don't mind taking a bit longer.

My friend refused to fly for 30 years, eventually went to counseling, and is fine with it now. I'm not sure what technique was used (may even be hypnotherapy or the like), but worth looking into. She went to someone who specialized in treating phobias.