I thought I had this whipped!

[romeodeltoro]

I've had anxiety about flying for quite a while now. Last September my wife and I took a flight to Italy and I felt pretty solid about getting back on a plane... that is until I had to book another flight.
I'm flying to Berlin on Saturday so if anyone has any advice on lessening the anticipatory anxiety, I'd really appreciate it.

[Barb-SAN]

I'm flying to Berlin on Saturday so if anyone has any advice on lessening the anticipatory anxiety, I'd really appreciate it.

Welcome to Taking Flight! Anticipatory anxiety is something that a lot of us here deal with, and if you read through some of the posts ("do a search for anticipatory anxiety"), you will find many discussions.

What helps me the most is physical exercise, and distraction...staying busy, packing, talking to friends, reading, etc. I usually calm down after I turn the key to lock my house and go to get in the cab to the airport...from then on, there's no turning back....so I just go with the experience.

What do you do to calm down when you are nervous about anything?

[romeodeltoro]

Thanks for the advice. Keeping busy has helped. It's nice to know there are other people out there who have anxiety about flying. I get the feeling sometimes like I am the only person I know who has any concern over getting in an airplane.

[Barb-SAN]

I get the feeling sometimes like I am the only person I know who has any concern over getting in an airplane.

I used to feel that way too, until I started admitting to people that I had this "little problem" (I was grounded at the time). It was surprising how many people admitted they had it too, once the topic had been introduced! I've read that as many as 1 in 4 people have at least some anxieties about flying. The good news is that it's possible to feel much more comfortable with flying. :thumbsup:

Where are you flying from on Saturday?

[romeodeltoro]

I'll be flying to Berlin, Barb. I'm really excited about actually being there, but unfortunately, I think some of the enjoyment of visiting a new and foreign place is tempered by the fact that you have to fly to get there... and back!

[Barb-SAN]

I'll be flying to Berlin, Barb. I'm really excited about actually being there, but unfortunately, I think some of the enjoyment of visiting a new and foreign place is tempered by the fact that you have to fly to get there... and back!

I'm was just wondering where you are flying FROM, and to where you are returning! Do you live in Europe, England, the U.S.? I guess it depends on how far away you are...and what the alternative means of transportation are...whether flying is hugely appealing or not. I'd sure rather fly across the Atlantic than travel for days by ship.:)

I visited Berlin back in the 70's when the wall was still there...it was kind of spooky crossing over to East Berlin. It would be interesting to see what it all looks like today.

Trip report and photos?? ;)

[romeodeltoro]

Ah... of course. I'll be flying from Jacksonville, FL to Berlin (via Newark) and back the same way a week later. I'll definitely write up a trip report and have pictures. Part of my superstitious routine with flying is to always take a picture of the airplane (that has safely delivered me) at the gate.

[Barb-SAN]

Ah... of course. I'll be flying from Jacksonville, FL to Berlin (via Newark) and back the same way a week later. I'll definitely write up a trip report and have pictures. Part of my superstitious routine with flying is to always take a picture of the airplane (that has safely delivered me) at the gate.

O.K., so you do have a long flight ahead of you then, not just a hop, e.g. from London.

I like your idea of photographing each plane that has delivered you safely. Do you then keep a scrapbook of those photos so you can remind yourself of your previous successful flights before taking the next one? I think it could be a useful tool. I wish I'd done something like that myself. I've taken lots of photos, but haven't really organized them in a way to make a quick pre-trip reference, reminding myself of the different "meet the pilots" experiences, the weather, my seat number, luggage tags, boarding pass, etc. Well, it's never too late to start doing something like that, if it seems to be a helpful idea!:)

We'll be looking forward to your photos and trip report!