I am flying for the first time on Southwest Airlines, it is an hour flight, and I am scared to death....?

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orchid_blossom83

First of all, despite what some of these other people are saying, DO NOT drink alcohol. It can make the situation worse, and make you even more anxious. Especially if you're traveling alone, you don't want to be intoxicated.

If money is not an option, choose 1st or business class. A lot more room, comfier seats, and better ammenities/service. If you're on a budget, but can still choose your seat, pick a seat in the very front row - more leg room. If those are taken, choose an aisle seat. If you wind up with a window seat, just close the curtain.

Bring some things to distract you, like a book, magazine, crossword puzzles, ipod, etc. Think positively, remind yourself that flying is one of the safest methods of transportation and the odds of something going wrong is miniscual. Anytime you start having negative thoughts, think about something positive. Remember, fear is a mental disability, and you DO have the power to overcome it. Mind over matter.

Meditation and or imagery are also good ways to cope with anxiety. Picture yourself on a beach, or wherever you want to be. Chat with a neighbor (if it seems like it won't bother them).

You can also use deep breathing techniques to help slow your heart rate, which will immidiately calm your nerves. Going to a yoga or pilates class will help you learn this technique. Basically, breathe in slowly, filling your lungs with as much air as you can, and when they can't hold any more, start to exhale just as slowly, making sure that you've let every little bit of air out of your lungs.

If you are experiencing ear pain (different pressures inside and outside the eardrum which occurs from chaging altitudes), gum and swallowing WILL NOT help you. Try this trick- hold your nose completely closed, and gently blow out through so called pinch-closed nostrils. Do this until your ears pop.

Make sure that the night before, you recieve a good night's sleep (8 hrs)...take a sleeping aid if you have to. Make sure you eat a full healthy meal before your flight, and avoid sugar and caffiene, which will make you more stimulated (and more anxious). Also, make sure you drink plently of liquids, which will help not only with ear pain, but with anxiety.

Arrive at the airport early, with plenty of time before your flight so you don't feel rushed. This will reduce a lot of stress. Also, you may want to consider taking some medication that aids in anxiety. Get a prescription from your doctor, or get some OTC. I've heard that St. John's Wort and Valerian and both good for anxiety relief.

If you have any more questions I'd be glad to help- you will find that flying is an effective, safe, and relatively painless method of getting where you need to go.

Dan the man

Make sure to go on line and get your boarding pass 24 hrs in advance then you can pick the seat you will fly in. I recommend and Isle seat in the middle of the plane over the wing, its a much smoother ride.

nycznumba1coolguy@yahoo.com

I've been on the airplane many, many times with my family. its actually fun! i really like it; especially when its going up.
but you never know, anything might happen...

bobalo9

Your my fav kind of co-pasinger its a thrill ride think of it that way. The take-off and the landing are FUN. Get a window seat.

answermaster

Find something to distract you. Play your ipod really loud. Tell the flight attendant that you are scared...they will take better care of you. Tell the people around you that you are scared and have them shut the windows. Bring something that you can really get your mind into...like a book, or a video game or sudoku or whatever you enjoy so you forget where you are.

largegrasseatingmonster

I share the same fear as you, only I fly 3 or 4 times a year. If it scares you that much you might want to ask your doctor for some Xanax. I don't fly without it.

Also, keep in mind that your drive to the airport is much more likely to kill you than your flight. In fact, despite all the electronics and weather, few things can go wrong while you are in flight. It's very, very, very, very unlikley that anything unusual will happen, and if it does, it's even more unlikely that it will be something that they can't handle. So relax. Stay clear of caffeine and alcohol before and during the flight btw.

If you feel panic coming on, start counting down from 1,239, taking a deep breath with each count. You should be pretty calm by the time you get to 1,150.

But look into the Xanax, it works wonders.

morrigan

I'm going with Southwest to get from Ohio to Chicago on Friday...yay for hour long flights being shorter than 7 hour car-rides!

Things about the flight...
~Southwest does a first come, first seat system. You're assigned a letter (a,b,or c) and you're seated based on that. The A's go first, then the B's.. you get the idea. I've been a C before though and I've still been able to get a window seat.
~if you absolutely loathe turbulence, don't sit in the back. SInce you've never been on a flight before, and don't know your opinion on turbulence, judge by how you feel while riding in a car. If you get sick, no back for you.
~Gum. Use gum. The ear popping thing, you know.
~Since the flight is so short, you will have about 5-10 minutes where you're allowed to move about the cabin. So if you have a small bladder, go to the bathroom before the flight. It's a pain in the butt to get up and step over people
~Southwest is ALWAYS at least 10-15 minutes late. Arriving, departing, you name it. I've never been on a SW flight that was on time (even though they say they are)
~Depending on where you're landing, it could be shaky. Prepare yourself and remember that millions of people have flown before you withougt any complications. Bumpy wind happens. You will be fine.

Have a good time, wherever you're going!

JustShutUp

Southwest? UGH!! Thats the worst airline you could have chosen. Lots of rude people on those flights. There is NO asigned seating. It can be a nightmare. Next time look into JETBLUE. I fly 4 or 5 times a year, and JETBLUE actually makes flying enjoyable again for me. more leg room. more snacks, and the big bonus is the 36 channel satellite tv for every flyer. The tv screens are on the back of every seat. Put on the headphones, and watch tvland, espn, fox news, a&e, history channel,...etc...etc...they also dont run a stupid cart up and down the isle to serve snacks and drinks, they take your order!

kingarthurdare

I hate it too; my first flight was trans-atlantic! You'll manage an hour. Stop by the airport bar for a couple of margaritas before the flight, and that should help. Just have extra cash since nothing's cheap inside the airport!

Nana Hexe

Don't worry by the time you get through hours of security checks you will be so worn out that flying is minor lol
seriously I flew from OK to Germany from ther to MO and back twice and I am still here and those are loooong flights.

TopNotch

Since it is only an hour, try to sleep and calm your nerves. Really, flying is a lot of fun and it's no big deal. Instead of fretting over it, imagine yourself in that situation and how you would feel. This way, when you actually get on the plane, you'll probably be less anxious.

Have fun!

___?

Just bring your MP3 or CD player and listen to some music, Sleeping on the plane....Good Idea to let the time pass by but very uncomfortable...Try playing a game, or look in the south west airline magazines, and they have things you can do in there. Good Luck! And Safe Flight!

scottreel11

I fly a lot, the only worry you should have is sitting next to a big fat smelly guy, or me ;)

Becka K

its really not that bad... take a pillow and sleep... or a good book or mag... it will be ok.. i promise... i fly all the time.

Jasmine L

well when u get on the plane and it starts to take off u might gett a lil scared cause it bounces around but other then that u should be perfectly fine
here is some advice take some gum with u cause when u get off the plane ur ears might hurt so take some gum!!!
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Newport Bar Guy

Flying is the safest form of transportation. Drink alcohol to calm the nerves and don't get a window seat.

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