If you're a nervous flyer,how do you get through it? *UPDATE

I am a nervous flyer, and, I fly internationally quite often. The thing that has helped me the most is imagining turbulence like riding over a gravel road if you are in a car. Yes, it is bumpy and scary, but, I just imagine myself riding down a road and hitting a few potholes. No big deal, right? ;-)

I also think it helps to have earphones on and listen to soothing music, breathing exercises, and squeezing DH's hand if he is available.

I was to the point of seeking medication for flying before I started using these teqniques, and they have helped enough that I have not had to get medication--yet.

Good luck! I know how it is. It is terrifying. I feel for you and hope you can find some relief.

Erin

I keep an eye on the flight attendants if things get bumpy and am always reassured that they are just going about business as usual.

I pray at takeoff and landing and stick my nose in a book and read or sleep in between!

A low dose of Xanax I use just for flying - no kidding!  If I feel I need it I take it about a half-hour before boarding time then tell dh I took it.  It helps me relax and some times I even sleep. 

I usually fidget. I knit to keep my hands occupied. The last flight I took had this little tv screen built into the headrest in front. Watched a Monk marathon (even though the flight was only 2 hours)) but that kept me occupied. The ride home stunk. I watch the flight attendants a lot and they all went and sat down. Freaked me out to no end.

I have some claustrophobia issues and some control issues I did do meclizine the last time, and beer. No help. I will do a small dose of ativan or xanax next time. I flew with 2 doctors the last time. They both agree that I need a little drugging.

Amen, sister!

I knit on the plane and I am quite relaxed when flying now. I always bring a copy of the TSA regulations that say I can have knitting needles on the plane because sometimes people doubt you are allowed to have them. I just knit faster when we hit turbulence!

^^^^^^^^^ This.

I always ask to meet the pilots. I size them up , and I am reassured because they're always bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. I remember that they too, want to arrive safely just as much as I do, if not more. After all, they're responsible for a lot of lives.

When we have turbulence, I remember their faces and feel better. I'm no longer on a bumpy steel tube at 30,000 feet, but on a plane being piloted by Greg and Robert.


I also watch the flight attendants during bumps. They never even notice them.

I also watch the flight attendants, they are used to it. I used to work with SouthWest but reservations, I got and used my pass a lot but I still get nervous. I watch them and if they look calm it helps. I also have music because I don't like the noises the plane makes lol. I keep myself busy to pass the time.

Sent from my KFSOWI using Tapatalk

I am a very nervous flier. I try to be in the middle of a book for take-off and landing (so I am hopefully engrossed in the story). I have been know to say the mantra "thousands of planes take off and land every day" over and over.

In severe turbulence I sing an old hymn we sang in the church growing up.

Oddly it all helps. I fly several times a year, usually 2-3 times to Europe.

I was getting increasingly nervous while flying, to the point where no one in my family wanted to be seated next to me! Finally about 17 or 18 years ago I asked my Dr if there was anything I could do. He gave me a prescription for Xanax and it's made a world of difference! It's a low dose, and it actually usually only take half a tablet at a time. I'll continue to take small doses if my flight is over about 4 hours. I still function well, am not sleepy, and just relax and enjoy the ride like a normal person. Well, as much as one can while sitting in coach anyhow. I highly recommend it!

I also took it (with my Dr's blessing) before going up in a hot air balloon last year. I really, really wanted to do it, and I did and truly enjoyed myself!

Yes! And the idea of the four of us on one plane, or even my husband and me, just pushes me over the edge. I rarely fly now. And when I do, I pray, read and try not think about it.

Rum and coke. And if you tell everyone on board it's your first flight and you're nervous, they will start buying you drinks! That's how I found out rum and coke works just fine!