Flight to New Jersey

[Goldenmomthree]

Hi all, I just saw this link to this helpful website on a fear of flying group that I subscribe to. I have an upcoming flight to New Jersey on Sunday and I am a fearful flyer. I do not mind take off but I am petrified of turbuluence. In fact, I have never flown in the winter because of my fear of ice storms and snow. I am trying to avoid O'Hare because I am afraid that it will be snowing.

yes, I have an extreme anxiety disorder and am trying to overcome this fear by actually getting on the plane and completing the flight.

Any advice or support would be greatly appreciate. Glad I found this board.:shocked :

[firstimeposting]

Hi there!
Welcome to the board! I think you'll find it extremely helpful as I did. If you have to fly in the winter, New Jersey is a great choice! They have winter flying and landing down to a science. They are much better to handling winter weather than somewhere like Arizona. So they will use preventative measures before the runways even have a chance to get icy.
Ask as many questions as you need to on this board, no question is a silly question!
Connie

[Passenger Mark]

Hi Mom!

Welcome aboard... great to have you here!

:welcome

Take a look around, and check out the previous posts.

Connie is right... they are use to the snow, ice, and cold weather, and know what is safe and what is not. They have acceptable standards, and if it is not within those standards... they don't go.

So the flight will be safe. If you get delayed because of winter weather, it may be a pain, but you will be safe.

Again, welcome!

Mark

[CaptainStark]

GM3,
Welcome aboard!

For an isight into the workings of airliners in snowy weather, check out the trip report board. The post MCI-LAS-RNO-LAS is from Saturday. Might help you.

Ray:ray

[beaugest]

Welcome from New Jersey. I fly in and out of Newark airport most of the time. We have flown many times in the winter and people are right. They are well equipped to deal with wintry conditions. As with anywhere if it's not safe to fly they won't.
We often fly to the Midwest and haven't had any particular problems with weather. We've hit some delays but I just take that as the airlines exercising caution. I would just rather be flying into sunshine :sunshine but I married a guy from the Midwest instead of the South...:welcome
Glad you found your way here.
Check out the trip report that Ray mentioned it really does address this issue. So, does his book. If you can check it out,you'd find it very comforting.

[beaugest]

I just checked the weather and it's supposed to be 32 (a bit cold for me...) and bright sunshine on Sunday...:sunshine

[WillFlyToDisney2]

:welcome

You have come to the right place for support!

Kelley

[Goldenmomthree]

Thanks to all of you for the warm welcome and report!!! I will let all of you know how it goes. I will check out the post that the Captain recommended. Boy, you must wonder how someone can be so fearful of something that you do everyday:shocked

By the way, does anyone have to take meds when they fly?
:scratch
Some people have recommended Ambien, etc.

I know the Captain probably doesn't appreciate people that are "drugged" on the flight in case there is an emergency but sometimes I feel like it is the only way - this fear is awful!!!

I have to overcome though because my dream is visiting Italy someday!!!:pompoms

[beaugest]

Ambien is a sleeping med. I know people who have taken it on long flights to help them sleep. Meds that are used to help short -term with anxiety are usually from the benzo family. The brand names are xanax, valium, ativan,etc. They are used to help "take the edge off" the anxiety. If you are thinking of doing it, I would talk to your Dr. and try whatever he/she gives you for the first time at home. Then you'll know how it affects you. Also, (ready for this Jeff) don't drink while taking these meds. Not a good mix!!! There's been some good posts on here about meds if you have time to look in some of the back posts. People discussed which ones worked for them.
A trip to Italy sounds like a wonderful goal. I've always wanted to go there as well.