I have booked it (now a little nervous)

[Chris Lynch]

I have booked my flights to Vegas in December for the boxing (just got to get lucky with those tickets now.)

So I am really trying to overcome my fears this time. I am flying from Heathrow, something which makes me nervous because of terror threats, I am flying United again something I said after 9/11 I would never do, and I am flying on a 777 which is an unfamiliure aircraft.

But although I am a bit nervous I am actually quite excited. It seems I really am kicking this fear. On of the guys going with us is scared to death of flying and I find I am giving him support.

Anyway these are the flights I booked. One positive is I booked through United's UK website so got to pick my seats.

United 0931
Depart: LHR 13:20
Arrive: SFO 16:31 Non-stop
11h 11m
Boeing 777
5,368 miles traveled Fare basis code:
WLXELFCX
Booking class: W
Economy
5,368 Award miles
Lunch 34A, 34B, 35B, 35A, 36B, 36A



<<< connecting to >>>

United 1550
Operated by: United For Ted Depart: SFO 18:00
Arrive: LAS 19:32 Non-stop
1h 32m
Airbus A320
414 miles traveled Fare basis code:
WLXELFCX
Booking class: W
Economy
500 Award miles
No Meal Service 13F, 13E, 13D, 13C, 13B, 13A



Sun, 09 Dec, 2007 - LAS to LHR
United 1534
Operated by: United For Ted Depart: LAS 8:58
Arrive: ORD 14:29 Non-stop
3h 31m
Airbus A320
1,515 miles traveled Fare basis code:
WLWELFCX
Booking class: W
Economy
1,514 Award miles
No Meal Service 14F, 14E, 14D, 14C, 14B, 14A



<<< connecting to >>>

United 0958
Depart: ORD 16:18
Arrive: LHR 5:55
Next day
10 Dec Non-stop
7h 37m
Boeing 777
3,953 miles traveled Fare basis code:
WLWELFCX
Booking class: W
Economy
3,953 Award miles
Dinner 34A, 34B, 35B, 35A, 36A, 36B

So am I mad or have I kick the fear finally?? will I suddenly panic as we start boarding?

My next challenge is to be able to get some propper sleep on the plane.

Chris

[Barb-SAN]

Hi Chris....It sounds like you are making great progress, now that you are recognizing signs of excitement when thinking about your trip. I've never been on the 777, but as usual turn to www.jetphotos.net (http://www.jetphotos.net) to get an idea about the plane. Here's the link for photos of United's 777. http://www.jetphotos.net/showphotos.php?aircraft=Boeing+777&airline=United+Airlines&country=-2&photog=-2&category=11&year=-2&keywordrange=all&keywordlimiter=2&keywords=&sort=1&genre=1&size=-2&mainsearch=search&displaymode=1&display=15 . It seems that there are TV's for every seat...so that may provide a nice distraction for you, and especially for your anxious friend. :)

That's wonderful that you are going to be able to help your friend deal with his fears. Have you sent him to the Internet fear of flying support groups and other resources like www.anxieties.com (http://www.anxieties.com) ? ;)

Sleep on the plane...I haven't tried this, but have seen sleep masks that block out the light...and have seen some people board carrying big pillows. I've been able to doze on some flights, though not too comfortably. I've had best luck in the window seat, leaning up against the side of the plane. There you don't get jostled by passengers like you do in an aisle seat, and no one wakes you up to get past you to go to the restroom.

Have a great flight!

[Lynda]

Hi Chris,

You will love the 777 it is a great spacious plane, we will be in the US at the same time as yourself!!

You are doing great with your FF:):)

By the way we must meet up again soon.

[tusphotog]

My next challenge is to be able to get some propper sleep on the plane.


Two Ambien and a few glasses of wine always does the trick for me! I did that when I was sick and was stuck flying LAS-PHL a few years ago. The FA thought I was dead because I didn't wake up when everyone was off the plane.

[Barb-SAN]

Two Ambien and a few glasses of wine always does the trick for me! I did that when I was sick and was stuck flying LAS-PHL a few years ago. The FA thought I was dead because I didn't wake up when everyone was off the plane.

Lucky you weren't....please, please don't mix tranquilizers or sedatives and alcohol.......:cry::cry:

Here's a link with additional information about Ambien: http://www.drugs.com/ambien.html

"What should I avoid while taking Ambien?

Ambien can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. You may still feel sleepy the morning after taking the medication. Until you know how this medication will affect you during waking hours, be careful if you drive, operate machinery, pilot an airplane, or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. Do not drink alcohol while you are taking this medication. It can increase some of the side effects of Ambien, including drowsiness. Do not take other medicines that make you sleepy (such as cold medicine, pain medication, muscle relaxants, and medicine for depression or anxiety).
Avoid taking Ambien during travel, such as to sleep on an airplane. You may be awakened before the effects of the medication have worn off. Amnesia (forgetfulness) is more common if you do not get a full 7 to 8 hours of sleep after taking Ambien.
Take Ambien only if you are able to get a full night's sleep before you must be active again.

[tusphotog]

Yikes! :mg: This was before all that stuff about the Ambien zombies. I never realized how bad that stuff is for you. I was lucky, I guess. After my bags came out and I got to the rental car, I was wide awake.

By the way, I like the warning not to pilot an airplane after taking Ambien.

Lucky you weren't....please, please don't mix tranquilizers or sedatives and alcohol.......:cry::cry:

Here's a link with additional information about Ambien: http://www.drugs.com/ambien.html

"What should I avoid while taking Ambien?

Ambien can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. You may still feel sleepy the morning after taking the medication. Until you know how this medication will affect you during waking hours, be careful if you drive, operate machinery, pilot an airplane, or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. Do not drink alcohol while you are taking this medication. It can increase some of the side effects of Ambien, including drowsiness. Do not take other medicines that make you sleepy (such as cold medicine, pain medication, muscle relaxants, and medicine for depression or anxiety).
Avoid taking Ambien during travel, such as to sleep on an airplane. You may be awakened before the effects of the medication have worn off. Amnesia (forgetfulness) is more common if you do not get a full 7 to 8 hours of sleep after taking Ambien.
Take Ambien only if you are able to get a full night's sleep before you must be active again.

[bravequeen]

Vegas is worth the trip in my opinion! Seriously, it's a fun city to visit. We always stay at Mandalay Bay...great pool! But so many resorts and casinos are top notch there. I'm glad you booked it. Have fun! Kelly:cheers:

[LeslieDEN]

You will love the United 777!

At my workplace, we all fly United because Denver is a big United hub. And whenever any of us has to fly to DC, we all know to try to book the 10:15 flight because it's a 777, international version!

Everybody loves the 777, and I'm not kidding when I say that most folks (nonfearfuls included) take the 777 when they have a choice. That 10:15 DEN-IAD flight is well-known as the best flyin' around.

[Chris Lynch]

I usually go for a little Red Wine but I have never really slept. Drugs are not my thing either.

My mate Leigh is stuck in the stone age he never goes on the Internet, we have only just got him using a mobile phone. So the chances of seeing him on here are slim.

I am actually quite excited, my first 777 flight and my first trip into SFO.

I just hope its turb free and take off and landings are quick.

Hey Lynda, next time I am up your way I will let you know. At the moment I am working some silly hours so don't get any free time, maybe thats why I am so looking forward to this break. I know why I left the music industry now, its bloody hard work.

Chris

[scottr0829]

I am actually quite excited, my first 777 flight and my first trip into SFO.



Make sure you check out my Flight Log with my pics of flying into SFO. The most common route takes you over the bay and you don't see land until the last minute, so it can be a little nerve wracking. http://www.takingflight.us/forums/showpost.php?p=69187&postcount=4

[tusphotog]

Make sure you check out my Flight Log with my pics of flying into SFO. The most common route takes you over the bay and you don't see land until the last minute, so it can be a little nerve wracking. http://www.takingflight.us/forums/showpost.php?p=69187&postcount=4

SFO is a great airport, especially the new international terminal. The approach can be fun, too. Sit on the left and you get a great view landing. Sit on the right (or left, depending on your runway) and you might see another plane a mile in front of you landing on the parallel runway.

I'm heading in there in a couple days, actually. Can't wait!