How to fly when you have a fear of flying

Many people have a fear of flying and yet, must take an airplane now and again. Here are some tips to make flying a better experience and cope with your fears.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Magazines
• Books
• iPod (other MP3 player)
• DVD player
• ambien (optional)
• valium (optional)

1. Flying has been around for quite some time. Technology has changed and improved considerably since the Wright Brothers' first flight which was December 17, 1903. Think of all the flights that have safely taken off and landed since then! Flying is an everyday act and considering how many planes take off and land each second all over the world, a plane crash is extremely UNLIKELY. I know it is hard to be intellectual about it, but you have a better chance crashing your car each day you get into it than having your plane crash. Here are some tips to try to curb your fears. No, your fear will probably not go away, but you can try to keep it in check.
   
   You should dress comfortably for your flight. Even if you have to go straight to a business meeting and make a presentation in a power suit, wear jeans and a polo on the plane. You can always change in the bathroom at the airport.

2. Prepare for your flight by packing your carry on bag appropriately. This is very important. Your carry on bag is your best friend on the airplane and if you pack it appropriately, the plane ride will be like a mini vacation and you'll be sad to deplane!
   
   First, depending on the duration of your flight. You need some essential items to keep you entertained and or distracted during the flight. The goal is to keep you focused on other things than looking out the window and wondering if the plane is going to crash into the ground below.
   Here are some essential items to place in your carry on:
   
   1) granola bars, health bars, trail mix. You should pack some food items that will keep you from being hungry but also that are not heavy and will make you feel sick. Stick with trail mix, pretzels or other snack food that you enjoy. Stay away from chips or anything too fatty.
   
   2) Pack some good magazines. Magazines are a guilty pleasure. What are you interested in? Sports Illustrated? US Weekly? People Magazine? The Economist? What ever you are interested in, there is a magazine for you. Pick one up and it will keep you happy for at least an hour during your flight.
   
   3) Are you a movie junkie? It's pretty simple to watch movies during your flight if you have a computer with a DVD player. Movies will cut off 2 hours of your flight time. They are great distractions and you won't even notice the turbulence.
   
   4) If you have a long or overnight flight, consider taking ambien or sonata and sleep during the flight. This is the best way to curb your fear of flying! You'll be asleep and won't even think about being 30,000 feet above the ground!
   
   If your flight is less than 8 hours, you will not need ambien, sonata or any other sleep medication.
   
   5) Bring your own soft drinks, who wants to wait for the stewardess to serve cocktails. Bring your own favorite drinks: vitamin water, bottled frappacinos, whatever you like. It's a treat!
   
   6) Bring earplugs or purchase Bose headphones. You don't need to talk to the guy next to you. Listen to your own music or listen to nothing. The point is that you are trying to make the flight as relaxing as possible and the buzzing airplane noise is not relaxing.
   
   7) Bring a book. If you finish the movie, finish reading your magazine, you can turn to your book. You should have something to keep you entertained during the duration of the flight. You don't want to run out of things to do.

3. Now that you have a carry-on that is filled with goodies, ENJOY! Listen to music, read your book, watch your movies, flip through the magazines. Eat a little. Drink some sugary sodas. You will feel more relaxed if you can keep yourself preoccupied. If you are watching a gripping movie, do you think you will really notice any turbulence? Probably not.

Tips & Warnings

• Request seats towards the front of the plane, turbulence is typically stronger in the back of the plane;
• Wear comfortable shoes and socks and take off your shoes during the flight;
• Try to arrive to the airport early; rushing through the airport only increases your stress level;
• Remind yourself that turbulence is normal and that it is the equivalent of riding the waves on a boat
• Do not take ambien if your flight is less than 8 hours;
• Do not take valium if you have to drive;

[maddengodfather]

on 3/29/2009 good stuff

[Pistolen08]

on 8/14/2007 "5) Bring your own soft drinks, who wants to wait for the stewardess to serve cocktails. Bring your own favorite drinks: vitamin water, bottled frappacinos, whatever you like. It's a treat!"

With the new TSA regulations, you can no longer bring liquids more than 3 oz. on the plane. They also must be in a sealed 1 quart bag.