[Jules]

Hi all

My partner and I will hopefully be flying to NZ in 4/6 weeks :D .

One problem, I am frightened of flying :( .

Has anyone got any tips on how I can relax etc or completely be out of it!!! We are flying via Singapore, so thats about 13 hours!!! (without a fag aswell :wah ), we are having a stopover in Singaport for probably 10 hours to have a sleep and a shop :nice1 , then back on a plane to Auckland!!!

I am totally excited about going to NZ it is just the flight that is worrying me at the moment :wah

Jules

[Moorf]

I went with my best friend on her first flight... she was TERRIFIED of flying - we flew from UK to Barbados.. she got some Valium from the doc and she was fine...

That's just my experience. I have to say, not sure on what the airline policies are on people taking medication onboard of that type... if Michelle was around I know she could tell you... might be they don't want a plane load of doped up passengers :uhoh

[Moorf]

Oh god yes, I am trying to not think about the flight with no fag :(

[Jules]

Thanks Moorf

We were looking in Asda yesterday for the patches, we couldnt believe the prices of them. They say they want people to stop smoking, why put a ridiculous price on these things!!!! We are going to sign up at our local doctors on the Stop Smoking Plan and get loads of patches free :clap then put loads on before we get on the plane, then when we land in Singapore, go straight to the nearest smoking lounge and get a packet of 20 down us!!!!

What with Nicotine patches and Valium I should be ok :nice1

Jules

Good luck for tomorrow!!

[Moorf]

LOL We said exactly the same when we got some gum the other day - it would cost us MORE to give up on those things!

Sandra, on this forum, told us of the terrace with sunflowers at Singapore where you can smoke outside rather than in an awful smokers box which is the only other alternative.

We gave up for an entire year last year until things conspired to totally stress us out and we reached for those wicked things... we gave up by using herbal tobacco from Holland and Barratt - granted the fags and backy tastes gross but then so does tobacco to a starter smoker, but you get used to it and it meant we had something burning in our hands whilst the nicotine was being flushed out and it really did make it easier to get out of the habit ..

[bbq]

Moorf, Jules

My neighbour flew to Melbourne this weekend. He has just landed, and was in a very packed plane in the middle. He took some over the counter sleeping pills, and they knocked him out for 7 hours London-SIngapore, and another 3 hours on the Melbourne leg. Said it was best flight he has ever done (he is aussie so does it a few times)

I'm planning the same.

re fear of flying...I think one-off doses of Valium are a good idea for before takeoff.. Just don't mix them then with alcohol ;)

cheers alex

[Diny]

For heavens sake Jules don't forget the gin aswell.

Singapore Airlines are brilliant. Let the crew know you are worried, believe me they will do just about anything to make your journey as relaxing as possible. How to encourage a nervous passenger is part of their training.

Oh - I've just thought of a vital 4th ingredient ....... sleeping pills !!!

Best of luck - you'll be right.

Diny

[abbie & john]

If you don't want something off the doctor - could try Kalms a herbal remedy - but be warned turns your urine bright neon yellow!

[Caven]

Hello jules, fellow sufferer here!

Moorf is right, go to the Doc. He'll give you what they call beta-blockers, which may take the form of Diazapam. Stopped smoking a week ago :wah but wouldn't recommend wearing a patch on medication without advice :laugh

Bad news is that everything the doctors have given me for flying take about an hour to kick in, because they only seem to work once you've started to react to being on the plane, well worth it though. Lay it on thick with the doc and he'll give you strong ones...they not only stop you reacting to every movement as if you were on a motorbike, you may even sleep ;)

[Jules]

I have thought about a stiff drink before I get on the plane but I wont have time as I will be spending it on the loo :eek . Also I will be starving by the time I get to Singapore because I cant eat on planes

Thats nice to now about the cabin crew, they might end up slapping me tho to calm me down and that wont be good for their reputation :laugh

Jules

[Moorf]

:laugh :laugh Images of Airplane....

[Jules]

I will definately get some of those Kalms, take them before I have my medical (Friday) and see what they say about my urine sample :mrgreen:

Jules

[SteveR]

can we please make an ordly queue for the slapping

more visions of airplane!

[Diny]

Flying doesn't bother me but I'm up for a few of those Kalms.

Imagine the fun you could have with neon yellow wee. :laugh

[Dave & Sandra]

I've got my stock of nicotine chewing gum which gets me through OK. I am such an addict.

Once got sleeping pills from the doc when flying back to the UK from Hong Kong via one week's honeymoon in Thailand. I took three when she said two and woke up 4 hours before arrival in UK - nightmare!!! Dave had to hold me down to stop me having a fag (US translation - cigarette) in the loo. He didn't want the plane to crash when the alarm went off. :no

[feathers]

Hi Jules

I totally sympathize with you, I used to be petrified of flying now I just don't like it! But I used to get hysterical at every take off and would cower in my seat and sob into my tissues if I could actually let go of the seat arms for long enough!
I would definitely echo what the others have said about letting the airline know, they would let me pre-board and I would often ask to be seated near the cabin crew, I would just feel safer being able to see them, the thinking being if they weren't looking panicked then everything must be going according to plan and we weren't going to plummet out of the sky!

Actually once I cried at check in due to my flight hysteria and good old BA upgraded me, I'm not sure if its a foolproof way to get an upgrade but it goes to show how understanding the airlines are about the fear of flying.

I've tried kalms, I've tried those bach flower remedies and also diazepam but not in combination although maybe that would have worked! Anyway good luck with your flight you will be absolutely fine, deep breathing and vodka are my keys to getting through it all. Also just bear in mind its just a means to an end you have to get through the flight for all the good stuff that will come after it.

Lots of Luck Jules, not that you will need it at all!!!!

[Raeven]

Hi, all,

We had this discussion back in June with several people offering advice on getting over a fear of flying.

Happy flapping, Rae

[Pakeha Boy]

Dec 19 1996, flying over the North Sea in a Puma helicopter at 5000', 40 minutes north east of Aberdeen, in good weather...
BANG, sudden lurch to port side and uncontrolled dive.
About an eternity later (bout 5-10 secs) the chopper leveled out about 800ft above the sea. We were about 10 mins out from the rig.

The portside pilots door hinges had failed and wind pressure blew the door on to the collective control lever, and temporarily jammed it. After levelling out and with the assistance of a passenger, he heaved the door inboard and forward to clear the lever, and nursed us in to a hard but safe landing.

Later, one of the pilots transferred to fixed wing flights and the other never flew again. Made a small column on page 5 of the local newspaper, but made a big impact on me (was also my sons first birthday!)

So the moral of the story Jules, find someone on your flight who has walked away from a very bad experience in the aviation field and sit beside them. Rarely will anyone be struck twice by lightning, so too, rarely will anyone have 2 bad experiences while flying!
Well it makes me feel better on a plane anyway!

Smoking? I used to use the Nicorette plastic cigarette for long hauls. Fit a little nicotine cartridge into them, and puff away. You get something to do with your hands, plus get a little kick on the back of your throat.
In fact they worked so well I accidently gave up altogether!

[Moorf]

LOL P.Boy - we used to use the plastic ciggies - we once had a queue of Virgin hosts and hostesses queueing at our seat for a try of one!!

Found them very strong too - quite funny to watch smokers puffing on them and coughing!! :laugh :laugh

Was nice to sit back after dinner and "puff" on them, despite feeling a little silly and looking desperate!! :laugh

[Nicola]

So glad I am not the only one worried about flying. We will not be moving for another 6months and already I am worried about the flight. My last attempt at flying was awful, terrible terbulance, thunder, lightening and hailstones. I do not want to do that again. We will have three kids with us, so there no chance I can take any sleeping pills or valium. Our youngest is 4 so it will take up all my time keeping him amused and quiet.

I can so relate to having to stay awake and concentrate on keeping that plane in the air. I know that feeling so well.

Raeven - Thanks for the link to the previous thread.

If anyone is flying before me, can they keep in touch and let us know how they get on.

[Jules]

Thanks for that nice story P.Boy. I think I will ask to sit up front with the pilots, they dont want to die!!!!! :eek

I think why I am scared of flying is because I am not in control of something. I feel safe when I am driving my car because I am in control and I can steer round the holes and bumps in the roads, but when I am on a plane I have no control over anything :?

I hope you can understand. The funny thing is I dont mind the taking off and landing it is just the bit in the middle when the plane starts to shake :(

Jules

[kamus]

Turbulence is the thing about flying that seems to shake people up the most (pardon the pun) It used to bother me, but now I hardly notice it. I fly a lot in my business (50-100 flights per year)and I've experienced just about every flying condition that it is possible for one to experience and yet I'm still here to write this post!

Of course I'm sure you know that statistically you're more likely to be hit by a car etc.etc. -I know, I know- awareness of that doesn't necessarily calm one down during a rocky flight. But maybe a few more facts will:

No plane has ever crashed from turbulence- the air frames are very, very strong and flexible and are made to take any kind of turbulence and then some. Read Michael Crichton's "Airframe" and you'll be soon convinced at how safe you are from any danger due to turbulence.

Turbulence is a completey normal and not an extraordinary flight condition.

Planes have multiple engines and many redundant systems. I was on a 2 propellor plane once and one of the engines failed :eek but no-one except me had spotted it and they didn't even bother to tell the passengers once we were on the ground as no-one had felt anything during the flight.

Even though you may be flying through seemingly rough conditions, pilots are expert at knowing what their plane (and passengers) can handle- and they just go around the really rough weather. Even so, it's good to know that some pilots can actually fly into hurricanes{not commercial flights, thank goodness) and they just bounce around an awful lot, but that's about it.

It's a very long way to the ground and pilots have a lot of room to manuever and a lot of time to regain control in the extremely unlikely event of some momentary loss of control. And at the speed planes fly at their cruising altitudes, they are like a stone skipping over a pond- as long as they are moving forward, a plane's natural tendency is to remain in the air- regardless of turbulence.

I've reached the point whereI actually prefer flights with turbulence as I sleep much better on them!

Also- our doctor friend recommended Ambien as a sleep aid. You need a prescription for it in the US though.

Good luck! I used to be you!

-Dave

[Diny]

Dave

You were doing so well until you stated ..."it's a very long way to the ground" :eek

Diny

[kamus]

Hey Diny,
Sorry about that! (chuckles) But as any pilot will tell you, the higher you are, the safer you are- counterintuitive but true.

In the event of a real emergency while reading my post, an oxygen mask would have popped right out of your laptop :laugh

-Dave

[SteveR]

Good luck! I used to be you!

I hope not :wah Im jules partner and apart from her beard so looks nothing like you :D :nice1

[Jules]

Thanks for that bit of insight Dave, it has made me feel a tad better :yes . Please ignore the last post from my partner (SteveR) but I am clean shaven :laugh :laugh

Seriously folks, thanks alot for being sympathetic but it is just one of those things, I am sure I will be ok, just got to think where the big plane is taking me NEW ZEALAND :nice1

Jules

[Carol]

I took Bach Flower..."Rescue Remedy" when I was giving birth on reccomendation from my midwife!!

It worked ;)


Got to be good for flying too I would think..... :nice1


Ask yourself..."would I rather give birth or be on the plane"
umm...... ;)


Carol

[Diny]

That's an easy one to answer Carol.

Give birth any day of the week.

First time I was fast asleep. Second I was numb from the neck down and laughed all the way through it.

AND ........... neither took 30 hours !!!!!!!!

OK - so I'm being daft. Flying doesn't scare me but I hate that long journey. Can only afford cattle class and after about 3 hours into the flight my legs start to get really uncomfortable - like having bad cramp but with no pain - and only having about 4 square inches to shuffle around in I've soon had enough.

Moan? Me? Don't be silly.

Diny

[Carol]

If I am going to be really honest Diny - I think I agree with you.
Yep - cattle class has to do for us too.
I've been thinking for a while about going back for a "spring it on the family" surprise trip........I actually fantasise about it! But dont tell anyone in case they think I'm nuts


I would book it tomorrow......but for the flight.
We couldnt afford for all five of us to go....so the logical option seems to be - me and my five year old go for a month - and let the others fend for themselves for a while.


Me and my five year old. On a plane for.......30 odd hours.

nah.
:no

[Michelle and Richard]

Hello Jules

I have flown for 17 years as cabin crew and in all that time I have had just 1 slightly scary incident and even that wasn't much. The biggest risk I ever took was driving down the motorway to work.

Have you thought of doing a fear of flying course? last a day and I can highly recommend them.

I have heard that as many as 1 in 3 passengers are frightened of flying and men are usually worse. It is possible to get tablets from the doctor if you have a sympathetic GP but that will probably mean that you can't have a G and T so if that helps stick with that method. As others have suggested Kalms, rescue remedy etc may help take the edge of it. Singapore Airlines are superb, I have absolute faith in training that air crew go through and trust our pilots. there are airlines I wouldn't fly with but can't tell you who for fear of being sued! All the cabin crew have training to deal with just about anything that could happen, the vast majority of our training involves being prepared for situations that never occurr. We also deal with many very frightened passengers so don't be afraid to chat to the crew if you need that bit of reassurance.

Relax, try and enjoy the flight, watch a film have a drink and start planning your new life.

Michelle

[xanctus]

get lots of alchohol during flight, so you'll be happy hahahahaha just kidding...

[Diny]

It wouldn't be that bad Carol. In April Mark sprung a suprise trip on the boys and me. It was dad in laws 80th birthday so the 3 of us went over for a couple of weeks to help him celebrate. Mark had to be back in Africa so couldn't make the holiday himself.

Last minute booking (booked 7 days in advance - that's all the notice I got) - and had to take what was on offer. Ended up flying with Emirates and it took forever ..... London to Dubai to Singapore to Brisbane to Auckland - it was never ending.

Anyway - my 2 boys (who then were 6 and 7) were great. As long as they have those personal entertainment screens so that they can play Super Mario or watch a film they're sorted.
I thought that doing the trip without hubby would be a nightmare ... no - it was fine.

Another thing to consider ..... with only 1 of your kids instead of 3 .... you'll have two thirds more time to yourself !!!!!!!!

Clink clink.

Diny

[Iain & Liz]

My husband has never flown in his life,and neither have my kids.
we will be flying with NZ air, are they any good with first timers and also the kids,
Any tips on how to entertain the kids would be helpfull (AND IAIN)....
Im sure it will be fine because thats the worst bit, the getting there.
(And im sure its worth it.)
:?

[markkellaway]

Air NZ are OK, lots of legroom and, for an airline, pretty good food. For kids though you really have to provide your own entertainment, they only have big screens, none in the back of the seat. Take plenty to keep them occupied if you have room and, if they are old enough, a Gameboy is invaluable!!

Cheers,

Mark. :D

[Diny]

For travelling with kids I still have to sing the praises of Singapore Airlines. They are fantastic and if time allows they will even take your kids off for a 'walk' to give you a few mins peace. They took mine into the galley and gave them juice, and they came back with crayons and drawing books etc.

If you opt for Singapore Air make sure you pre-book childrens meals. They are very good - the trays come loaded with food, chocolate and little gimicky things.

Diny

[Jules]

Michelle

Thanks for that Michelle, you have made me feel a lot better :yes . Would you come and sit next to me on my flight to NZ I would feel so much safer :mrgreen: .

SteveR my other half just ignores me, puts his headphones on and gets on with things, whilst I am white knuckled holding on to the edge of my seat and waiting for every little shudder of the plane.

The funny thing is I like the taking off and landing, which I am told are the most dangerous times :uhoh

I will have a search on those 1 day courses for fear of flighing and see how much they cost :eek

Anyway :hopeso :hopeso that I will be ok with all the medication I intend to take :roll: I think I might buy some different types and try them one weekend and see what effect they might have. In fact I could try this weekend as I have to take one of my cats to its new home :wah and I no I will be very upset so I think I will try some Kalms!!!!

Jules