First timer

[cassidywithwings]

Hi all. Longtime reader, first time poster! I have been lurking in the shadows of a few boards over the last few weeks. I have my first flight in three years, one week from today. Needless to say I am a lot nervous. I used to be one of those calm fliers (the type everyone envies) who got on the plane and immediately fell asleep. I'm not sure when it happened, but a few years ago I became very anxious. Actually, scared to death is more like it. Anyway, I just wanted to thank you guys for the great information you have posted. It has helped, a lot. I'm still nervous, mostly because I am not sure what to expect after all of these years. But reading through all of your experiencees, and the great photos you posted Mark, I feel less anxious. Just wanted to let you all know that. I will post my flight info next week, so that maybe one of you guys will track me. :)

Kelly

[Passenger Mark]

Hi Kelly,

And welcome aboard!

First off, where you flying from and to?

Now, If you read the intro, I too had no problems flying, then boom it hit! At first, I had no idea why, or what was going on. When someone suggested that I had a Fear of Flying, I laughed it off. No way! But then I realized that it was anxiety. But how could I be scared of planes or flying, love them both! That is when I realized that it had something to do with what was going on - on the ground. It was manifesting itself on the plane.

Now "I think" that the anxiety manifests itself on a plane because that is somewhere we feel we have no control. So I then realized that I was going to be fine on the plane, and the plane was going to be fine, but now I was fearful of the fear on the plane. It was like the old dog chasing his tail!

Once I realized what was happening, that it was the anxiety and there was no "real" danger, I was able to work with it. When my heart began to race, I knew what was going on.

I am a facts person, that is why I like Ray's book, and boards like this. It gives me the facts. And the fact is that you are safer on a modern jetliner than almost anything else you do! Did you know that??? Safer on a airliner, than almost ANYTHING else you do EVERYDAY!

So, when the fear creeps in... first understand what it is, that it is not a sign of doom, it is anxiety. And next understand that you are going to be just fine. And I would not type that, if I did not 100% believe it!

Be sure to post your flight info on the track board, and when you get back... post that flight report!

Again, welcome!

Mark

[Chelle]

Welcome Kelly!

Definitely post your flight info, we will track you!

[cassidywithwings]

Thanks for the warm welcome! Short story long, barring another hurricane, I am heading to Orlando next Thursday, returning the following Monday. I am flying Jetblue. Its funny. I promised a year or so ago that if Jetblue ever started flights out of Boston, I would fly them as I had heard rave reviews about the company and in-flight services. I really didn't think they would go to Boston. It was just my out to friends to get them off my back. Well last year they started flying to various points from Boston. Needless to say, I hemmed and hawed, but finally decided enough was enough. I wasn't going to conquer this fear by booking cruises and driving long distances. I have to say I near had a panic attack just booking the flights. But I finally bought the tickets and got ready to go. I started reading up on conquering my fear of flying. Doing online courses. I even went to a hypnotherapist, which I recommend just for the practice in controlled breathing. I was almost ready to go, then the bad dreams stared. Then I accidentally saw a movie that seemed innocuous at the time, but had a plane scene in it where they lost an engine. I mean literally, the engine fell off! That is Hollywood for you. :eek Anyway, I started more hypno and reading, but we had to cancel due to Hurricane Frances. So now the trip is next week! Again...:eek

I too am a facts person and have been scouring the boards for all the information I can get my hands on. Its been so helpful to read all of these posts!! I will be sure to post the flight info and a report (hopefully). Darn there goes my superstitions side acting up.

Kelly

[WillFlyToDisney2]

Welcome, Kelly!

JetBlue is a great airline. You will be fine. Engines dont just "fall off" as I'm sure you know. :)

Have you spoken with your doctor about getting some meds for your anxiety? It may help to take the edge off a bit.

Kelley

[Disney fan]

Welcome Kelley. Nice to have you here

[cassidywithwings]

Hi Kelley

Yes the engine will definitely not fall off, but boy does Hollywood make those scenes look convincing. :D

Yes. I actually have two prescriptions. One for Xanax, one for Klonipin. I have never taken either and am not sure which one to use. I basically want to take whichever one will work best, even if it makes me loopy. I am traveling with someone so they can make sure I don't end up back in Boston! Anyone out there ever taken either? I will also do a trial run sometime early next week. Thanks!

Kelly

[WillFlyToDisney2]

I've only taken Xanax. It just knocks the edge off and makes me sleepy a few hours after I take it. Use extra caution if you will be driving after your flight. I would definitely take it a day or two before your flight just to see how it affects you.

:)
Kelley

[cassidywithwings]

Thanks! I will be sure to do a test run. And at least it will (hopefully) guarantee me a good night sleep before I fly! :lol