Any last minute tips for a scared air passenger?

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Sinistra

Take things to keep you occupied in the departure lounge and on the flight - books, music, games, a pack of cards. Flying is actually pretty bloody boring once you're in the air! If you want, let the cabin crew know that this is your first flight and you're nervous - they'll be able to reassure you and put your mind at rest. Everyone has to have a first time flying! Once you step off that plane, you'll wonder what you were so worried about!

The best thing to remember is that any time that you spend waiting, there are lots of people doing safety checks. When the plane pulls away from the terminal, it'll makes its way to the runway, and there may be a short wait - air traffic control have to keep to a set distance and time between planes taking off and landing. If there's a wait, they're simply allowing enough time for the plane in front to give your one plenty of room to take off.

When you take off, the plane will be stationary, but you'll feel and hear the engines rev up before you speed off down the runway - the average runway is almost 2 miles long, so there's no need to worry that you'll run out of distance. The ascent is much like driving up a steep hill very very fast, until the plane levels off and when the seatbelt signs are switched off, you'll barely even notice you're moving. The view above the clouds is actually strangely fascinating if you're feeling brave enough to take a window seat!

On the descent it's perfectly normal to feel like you drop slightly, and then again, and again. You may also find that the plane rolls over slightly to one side and then to the other, or seems to zig zag or go round in a circle - your pilot will be lining up with the runway, ready to land. If you feel a large 'thud', this will be the wheels going down (it can be quite unnerving first time you feel it!) and there'll be quite a bump when you land on the runway. Once the plane is on the ground, it'll slow down quite quickly and finally taxi round to a terminal.

This may or may not be of some consolation to you: 91 people are killed and injured on UK roads every day (that's almost 1 person every 15 minutes) - so statistically you're more likely to be involved in a car crash on the way to the airport than a plane crash. Of the billions of people in the world, only a small minority will ever be involved in a plane crash or know someone who's been involved in one. On the other hand most people in the world will either be involved in a car crash or know someone who has been in a car crash - yet very few people give a second thought to getting in a car, even though air travel is proven to be the safest in the whole world! People fear plane crashes far more because they hit the headlines (and they make the news because they're so rare). If every single road accident made the news with as much impact as the average plane crash, most people wouldn't dare get in a car ever again!

Chianti Man

Take me! I'll hold you tight.. Seriously don't worry it will be fine

Sarah B

Just relax.....remember nothing bads gonna happen. People fly all the time and ur more likely gonna have an accident in a car then in an aircraft. Also in the very very very unlikely time when something happens thereare lots of trained proffesionals around who know what they are doing and wont let anything happen to any1! The pilots wouldntbe allowed to fly theplane if they didnt know what they were doing and theyve clocked upmany thousands of flying miles in their time!
Just sit back relax and if you get nervous speak to the cabin crew and they will look after you.

garfish

My very first flight was long haul and I was petrified. However I got through it. There is always something going on on board. Meals drinks etc being brought round. Usually at least a film of some sort. Do take a book or crossword to occupy yourself. If you ar travelling alone, talk to the crew about your fears, they are trained to deal with nervous passengers and will put your mind at rest. I still hate flying but once on the plane and in the air I am OK.

alex_rccrd

take something along that will distract you like a good book or a couple of magazines. failing that my other half hates flying and chants football songs at the top of his voice at take off lo!!

MICHAEL F

I always watch the air hostesses' carefully. They always seem to be calm so this puts me at ease. Have a couple of drinks to calm your nerves or take Kalms for a week beforehand.

confused at college

close your eyes.suck on a sweet.remember so little planes crash the engines are so powerful they hold up the planes with ease.....just close your eyes and dream you are on one of those flight simulator in the fairs.u have the same feeling but because your eyes are closed you cant see that you are actually on a plane. good luck missus...you'll be fine xxxx

Cole Cooperâ„¢

Don't be afraid and try to make fun of it. Try to meet some people and have conversations with them to make the flight go faster and keep your mind off of other things. Flying really can be a fun experience if you let it be. I love it. My only problem is i'm 6 foot 2 and can barely fit in the seats. lol.

MJ3000

Why are you scared? Simply scared to fly or scared of terrorists or...?

If you drink, have one before boarding. Not more or you'll have to pee before take-off, and you'll be miserable waiting for the seat-belt sign to go off.

Breathe deeply once the plane starts moving and try to think of something pleasant or important that will keep your mind of the flight.

I hate airplanes, but, believe it or not, I'm a skydiver. Every weekend you'll find me breathing deeply and thinking of the fun I'll have once the damn door opens and I can get out!

chrisford64052

what are you scared of? Terrorists? Do you really think somebody's going to get away with that again. Everybody knows now, take down a terrorist/become a national hero.

...

If it is a long flight ask your doctor for some sleeping pills.
Just relax and don't get drunk it will make it worse.

dave o

most of the above but forget alcohol b4 boarding(can make you emotional).Deep breaths, positive thinking and see if WH Smiths do a hypnotism cd.I sympathise with FOF worries but can't really see the problem.What exactly is your fear?Talk to yourself about it and try to rationalise it yourself,other peoples rationalisations wont work for you.

psubowler300

Aisle seating

caroline

I was always terrified of flying,even going past airports made me nervous. I won't bore you with the reasons behind the decision, but a few years ago, I went on holiday with my young daughter...and flew for the first time to Australia. I couldn't show my nerves for her sake. However, the minute I got on the plane I was ok. We flew at night, and looking out of the window at all the lights below was so relaxing.
Make sure you eat and drink healthy stuff for a week or so before you go, and get some early nights. Enjoy your trip !

malteser

one word but the best advice- i said to my friend and shes scared! "breathe"!!!

Pat R

Watch the flight attendants,they do it all day,they never look scared even in turbulence.

Dont forget also ,the pilot doesn't want to crash ,so he will do everything in his power to keep you safe as well as himself.

Have a nice flight ,if you can get over your fear,its very exciting.

livinhapi

just relax and enjoy... flying is one of the safest form of transportation nowadays..go to sleep if you can.

TONY D

tell the air stewardess when you board you are a nervous passenger and they will help you, other than that think of the beach you are going to relax on when you reach your destination (lucky lucky person i am so jealous) deep breaths, close you eyes when you take off and suck a boiled sweet to ease to pressure in your ears and save one for landing. and bon voyage!!!

Funny Lad

just remember where you are going to end up and it will make it all worth it.

Enjoy your holidays

debs46

bachs rescue remedy

c g

rescue remedy and kalms, both can be got from boots or holland and barratt, they are herbal so wont affect you, but will help to calm you down natuarally, start to take a few days before departure.
have a nice flight.

ms-adidas

take a deep breath and think positively beleive me i love air travel they are better than trains and cars .. take some gum with u if not just swallow so that ur ears dont hurt you . /

have fun , bye

Nicole

According to statistics, Air Flight is still the safest way to travel. =) Have a nice trip!

wild1

forget about angry Muslims bombs hijackings and you should be fine

Sonell

Rather regret the things you did do than the things you didn't

alpha66

what Nicole said !

Dylan m

bring a parachute