Any suggestions on how to relax before going on first airplane trip?

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mattybear83

Initial jitters are unavoidable. I had the same problem, and two things in particular helped me.
1) A reality check. The odds of dying in "Air and Space transport accidents" (as of 2003 statistics) is 391,981 to 1. Not a bad gamble by any means.
2) Xanax. Yes, it's a palindrome, and yes one of your girlfriends has a few of them stashed away in her purse.

The only way to really control your fear is to look it dead in the face. Use the xanax option only if you're sure that you'd rather sweep your fears under the carpet, instead of overcoming them

Enjoy your trip!

Bozema

First of all relax. Flying is very safe - safer than driving in a car. Pack as lightly as you can and read the TSA rules for what can and cannot go on a plane. I recommend checking your main bag at the ticket counter so you don't need to deal with liquids/toiletries in a quart bag rules in your carry on luggage. If you are changing planes, make sure you have allowed at least one hour between flights so you have time to find your gate, go to the bathroom, etc.

Bring something to read or crosswords puzzles and dress comfortably with shoes you can slip off easily for security screening. Bring a light sweater on the plane in case it's a bit cool and pack a snack - airline food is terrible - but remember you can't bring liquids inside the secure area, so you'll have to buy any drinks in the airport after you clear security. Take any prescription medications and a change of underwear in your carry on luggage in case your checked luggage gets lost.

It should go fine. The best thing to do with flying is go with the flow. Flights can be delayed or late. Stay calm and relaxed and work with the airline if problems arise.

college_student

get drunk...lol seriously though. as long as you are not falling over drunk you should still be allowed in, but have a few drinks to lighten you up some.

Kryptonian

Get really tipsy before the flight.

Or take a valium.

blueskylvr1983

I've been flying for 10yrs off and on and I still get nervous when I board a plane. Yes, the statistics show I'm more likely to die in the car on the way there.. but the fact still remains that I could be volunteering myself to board a death machine. However, I found complete comfort in doing this free course online. www.fearofflyinghelp.com. It did so much for me! It teaches you about the plane and everything to help you relax more. What you're experiencing is fear of the unknown. Once you take that short course and learn about the planes and the pilots and everything, you feel so much better. The website even gives you a checklist and everything to print out. I just flew last week between FL and CA. I did that course before I went. It made me enjoy the plane so much more! It really is an amazing experience.
Furthermore, just realize the many pilots and FA that do this every single day. And realize that their lives are at stake too, so they aren't going to take off or land the plane if they have the slightest feeling that something can go wrong! Hope this and the website helps! Enjoy your flight!

Smarty Girl

do some yoga
or just keep telling yourself it's gonna be ok
dont think of bad things

i fly every year across the globe
i'm not sure about you because i am 10 years old!!!!!

parawakan

Nothing to be anxious about just drink lots of liquid to keep you hydrated.

....

ummm i would take vaalum

karla k

If you are really freakin you can go to a BodyTalker practioner to get rid of your fear. Or to hypnotherapy.

If you are just nervous you should do some mental imagery of a safe flight. It is kinda like self-hypnosis. Imagine yourself getting on the plane, finding your seat, putting you things in the overhead compartment, then buckling in, then taking off and then riding in comfort in the air. Imagine yourself so relaxed you are taking a nap. Then imagine that the plane is landing. The landing is safe and you get off the plane to your destination and you are very excited because you are THERE!

hope that helps.

Kristy S

All you have to do is: Buy some relax pills, bring anything that relaxes you. KK? (ok)

Beast from the East

Bring a nice fluffy pillow, mp3 player or whatever with soothing songs, anything to take your mind off flying. If it's really bad, take some sleeping pills before you fly

mellow

you can take dramamine found in medicine section of any airport shops.

CarlisleGirl

The only answer is to let go completely. The control of the situation is entirely out of your hands, so your job is to relax and enjoy yourselves. Breathe, hold hands with each other, look into each others' eyes if you like, smile, and think how great you will feel when you have conquered this.

You could read up on it on the internet, which is full of good info, and you could also schedule one session with a counselor, who could help, too. By the way, some airlines even have info for nervous flyers, so you might check the websites of various airlines.

Good luck -- I used to have a phobia, and I know the great feeling to be free at last.

RoB

take a book

m0nica_lisa

Well, I have flown twice in my short life. All I can tell you is, don't THINK about the flight so much! It's FUN!!!!!! OMG, I love planes. Even though I afraid of heights, I ENJOYED IT! I think that the smartest thing for you to do is, sit back in your seat and just RELAX. The only thing that happens on a plane is your ears pop. And for that, you just chew some gum and swallow it, and you'll be able to hear again. I flew on a plane at a young age, and it's really nothing like a roller coaster, if that's what you are thinking. It's smooth, and there is nothing to worry about! Just enjoy your flight, and make sure to arrive safely! Have fun~

=] Monica Lewis

valkyrieace99

Wow, so you've never flown before? Okay, that's understandable. How do you relax? I guess just don't think about what wrong could happen. Be positive. Think about the reason why you're flying. Is it absolutely necessary to fly? Just focus on the main point: why are you flying? To visit friends, family, business trip, holiday, etc. Try not to think a lot about what could go wronmg. Focus on the positive side. Everything will be fine. There's nothing to fear. You'll enjoy the ride. That's what you should think about.

Nick

If your afraid of the plane crashing, keep in mind that you're a thousand more times likely to get in a car crash on the way to the airport then the plan crashing. ... :P or take some sleeping pills or a quick drink before getting on.

BADASSMAMI

Get a good book or mag, and have a drink or 2.

Just Somebody

i told my Dr. it was my first time and I was scared and she gave me 10 xanax.

Billy S

No need to be scared. When you get to the airport get something to eat and drink. Bring something to do to get your mind off of you thinking about the ride. Bring gewing gum so your ears don't pop. Keep your self busy as best as you can. try to go to sleep on the plane. if there are frequint bumpes when you are flying that is just the turulenece. Nothing is wrong with the plane.

sleer

don't forget to bring chewing gum it will help you in time of flight,just a simple tips but it helps me a lot,maybe it will help you to.

Jas

Y'know, these folks are right that dying in a car crash on the way to the airport is more likely. But falling out of the sky is scarier, I don't care how much less likely it is.

I have been in one aborted landing and one near miss (I saw the faces of the passengers in the other plane, I mean, it was close.)

I kid you not, I now have a martini before almost every flight. At least your mind is relaxed.

Cin Reaper

I was going to suggest a visit to the airport cocktail lounge, but it might make you more nervous when you see your pilot and co-pilot in there getting liquored-up pre-flight!!

kenneth r

get laid

ppr

dont worry
flying is the safest way of traveling
just sleep a lot
and get something to read on the flight

Juan A

They have done studys that say you are more likely to get killed in your car on the way to the airport then in the plane.

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