Irrational fear of flying? How can I handle a long-haul flight?

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avian

You start off with the advantage that you were once perfectly happy to fly, so if you can recapture that sense of security and well being you will no longer feel nervous. It is unfortunate that you had a bad experience when flying in North Africa (a 'third world' airline, perhaps?), but your next trip is with Virgin Atlantic, an airline with which I have flown many times without any bad experiences (if you discount sitting adjacent to a screaming baby for 6 hours on one occasion!).
It's worth reminding yourself that (1) pilots wish to complete their flights safely, too, and will do everything to ensure the trip goes well, (2) that UK registered aircraft are maintained to the highest possible standards, (3) that UK airlines invariably use the latest models, and that when flying Virgin Atlantic, it's good to know that many of its pilots are former RAF aircrew and have therefore been trained to one of highest standards in the world, (4) that UK airline safety statistics are all in your favour; (5) that modern avionics ensure that all flights are conducted in a most secure and guarded way, from take off to landing, (6) that the length of a flight (in your case 13/14 hours), is of no consequence since only one take off and one landing are involved (the bit in between is the safest part of the flight, irrespective of its duration), and (7) the laws of physics apply and your aeroplane can not help but fly!
By all means go on a 'fearful fliers' course offered by some airlines, take some 'calming pills' prior to the flight, perhaps a large brandy (if you like alcohol) prior to take off, or do the usual thing of buying a book, magazine newspaper (crosswords are a good way of occupying your mind) - but, best of al, l try to recall your original delight at flying. Virgin Atlantic employ very courteous and obliging cabin staff who do everything they can to make you trip a pleasant one, so I am sure you will be fine. (NB I have nothing to do with VA except as a satisfied customer!) Anyway, I wish you a pleasant and relaxed flight.

Servant_of_God

13/14 hours is nothing. I've been on a straight 18 hour flight.

When you're on the plane, do anything that makes you relax!

A plane will not just fall out of the air like that.

Katya-Zelen

I know exactly how you feel. I'm not scared of flying exactly but for me too, it's about the loss of control. Unfortunately I'm not sure of the answer. I don't think sleeping pills or Valium is the answer. I personally feel by giving in to that, you will end up in a worse state than before.

I generally take a wrap or shawl with me so I can snuggle up in it and immerse myself in a book. I kind of go into my own little world but to be honest I've just come to accept that I will feel uncomfortable for a while but it won't stop me getting on a plane and travelling.

silver wings

turbulence is my biggest fear as well here is a link to a humorous article about turbulence;
http://www.helium.com/tm/92052/light-chop-clear-air-turbulence-mountain-wave-wake-turbulence-you-may-may-name-it-how-you-want-but-t
After the humour let's go to facts,turbulence does nothing to the plane, keep this in mind, also consider taking with you a survival kit with: Favorite junk food, a good book, magazines, a camera so you can take cool pictures of clouds, a note book to write down how you feel etc,etc. Good luck!

davidc

you need some calming remedy see a herbalist...

imstilldadaddy

I fear flying, i have bad ears and it is very painful for me to fly,the plane shakes and vibrates and Ive seen one without the outside layer, very scary.
I fly at least once a year, how do i deal with it......Alcohol, the answer to all my problems, i don't mean stinking drunk where you can stand and shout at strange people, just enough to feel giddy and not really care any more, you notice that after a few drinks you inhibitions dissipate in most thing and flying is one of them.
I don't know if it will help but has yet to fail me.

gtrplayer5555

The absolute best thing I have found is to ask your doctor for ativan. I take them routinely when flying, and have found that this drug calms me to the point where I don't care if something bad happens on the plane. A 13 hour flight though, you might ask for Ambien. The only problem is that you will get a "flight hangover" if you sleep the entire time. Also, some benzo medications can make you forgetful if you are not used to them. Virgin Atlantic is actually a very very cool airline, so at least you have that going for you.

simonavitch

Copy what you have written to Virgin and ask them.
I am sure they will respond to help you.
I go the same way trying to drive over the Thames on the M25 and I have only done it once, but I have no trouble flying.
Try taking a comic book with you.
Not for the laughs but for the pictures and words that you can focus on. A couple of paracetamol tabs each 4 hours would help too.

Rebecca

Try rescue remedy - it hepled me pass my driving test when i was the most nervous i have ever been.

curtstuttgart

i wouldn't get on too many more planes.
the law of averages says you are gonna come a cropper.

Puss Balls

by accepting your fate and dieing.

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