United Airbus -- Support Needed

[JazzBelle04]

Hi everyone!

Thanks for having this support messageboard and website!

This is my first time flying in 5 years! When I was younger, I was hesitant about flying, but it wasn't dehabilitating like now. Now, in my mid 20s, flying seems so scary. Just thinking about flying scares me! To make matters worse, I watched the MSNBC show, Final Hours!

I have a roundtrip flight from John Wayne to SFO for Thanksgiving. Yeah, yeah, short flights, only about 1 hour and 15 minutes or so, but it's still scary. As the day approaches I'm still nervous.

I will be flying United Airbus A320. Has anyone flown with United recently? Has anyone flown on an Airbus? I don't even know what type of planes they are. Any info on this would reassure me greatly. Thanks. I couldn't sleep all last night anxiously thinking about the trip.
Thank you all.

[photomonkey0]

JazzBelle,

Let me be the first to say :welcome

You're in the right place! As you can see by my post count, I'm still pretty new around here myself.

You'll do fine and you're among friends. My first piece of advice - even though I don't know what the show is about - stop watching Final Hours! :D It sounds bad and if it's a 24 hour news thingy then they're just looking for stuff to freak out the general masses. Think about it... "3 million people flew today and every single one of them made it to their destinations. The same will happen tomorrow and the next day" doesn't really sell too much "news" does it? :lol

Your aircraft is a big guy. The Airbus A320 is a good sized jet (not too worry - you're not on a puddlejumper). Your crew has and loves a family, too. You don't think they'd get on it if they didn't trust it, do you?

You'll be a-ok. Chat about things here, read other people's stories, read the boards, and have us track your flight for you. After all is said and done you'll be on the plane heading somewhere fun for Thanksgiving and all we'll ask is that you eat a slice of turkey in our honor. :lol

You'll be fine!!

[Passenger Mark]

Hey There Jazz!!

Welcome aboard!

:welcome

United is great... good airline.

And the A320 is a fine aircraft. I few on one from London to Manchester, and return. That was on British Airways.

Here are a few photos to give you a feel for it (No not my photos) Don't know who the snoring guy is!

http://www.airchive.com/airline pics/LAX AUG 2003/UA A-320 Int-2.jpg

http://www.airchive.com/airline pics/LAX AUG 2003/thumb/UA A-320 int.jpg

http://www.airliners.net/photos/small/4/1/5/273514.jpg

http://www.silverstatenews.com/newssections/Aviation/airbusavion/uala320.jpg

As far as not fearing flying when you were younger, and developing it later in life... that is fairly common.

I think as we get older we become more aware of life.

And... our imagination becomes a little creative.

The show that you mentioned is a good example of what feeds our imagination. Hollywood LOVES to have movies about airline dramas. I guess it is so rare in real life, that it makes good material.

I saw a movie the other night where a 747 was struck by lightning, and it set-off an emergency landing! But in real life a lightning strike does nothing to the aircraft.

So... if you are going to watch those types of movies, do it understanding that what you are seeing is not based on fact, but on a producer's imagination.

As more questions come up... be sure to post them here, and be sure to post a trip report!

Happy Flying,

Mark

[invert29]

Hi JazzBelle,

First off,

:welcome

Second, you are really amongst people here who truly understand how you feel (look at a topic I posted today). Like photomonkey, I am pretty new to THIS board as well but have found great support in a small amount of time. I am flying tomorrow and am also feeling a little panicky :sigh but the people here are wonderful. I am only going from OAK to LAX but the short length doesn't make it that much better (as you know).

I flew on an AirBus 320 in April and I really liked it (as much as one can "like" flying!). They are new planes with an impeccable safety record. Plus, they had little TV screens that played reruns of crappy sitcoms which helped pass the time.

Post your flight info in the tracking board forum and someone here will be able to watch you as you are in the air...a little added comfort to know someone is watching! :)

[JazzBelle04]

Wow,

Thanks all! Your quick responses have made me feel a lot better. As for the show, it was one of those MSNBC "investigative" report shows. There were actual footages of either crashes or wreckages, black box transcripts, etc. Needless to say, I shouldn't have watched it, but that irrational part of me was like, aha, see??? Planes are dangerous and scary and you have to literally trust someone with your life!!!! However, I do understand now that instead of of the program focusing on how these accidents have improved airline safety, this fact is only mentioned as a footnote, they focus on all the horror!!!


Thanks for posting pix of the Airbus. I already feel so much calmer knowing what to expect. Thanks everyone, and it's good to know I'm not alone.

Jazz

[invert29]

I would also suggest checking out Capt. Starks book "This is Your Captain Speaking". It is great at detailing the ins and outs of flying and preparing you for all the different sounds and sensations associated with flying. I think almost everyone here probably carries it with them whenever they fly.

[graciecat14]

Hi Jazz,

United is my favorite airline and I have always felt confident when flying them. You may not know this if you haven't flown United in awhile but on most United aircraft you can listen to air traffic control on Channel 9. I find it very reassuring to be able to hear my plane's pilots talking with the controllers- even if they don't make a lot of announcements during the flight I know they are okay because I hear them talking. And headsets are free on United!

Back in September I did a 5 segment trip on United and Air Canada alternating between Airbuses and 737's. My experience was that the Airbus planes were quieter and seemed a bit smoother on takeoff- the 737's just seemed to sort of hurl themselves into the air while the Airbus planes sort of eased their way in.

United is a good airline and Airbus makes good planes (although as a Seattle resident I naturally think Boeing is better) so relax and enjoy!

Becky

[spleisher]

What specific questions do you have about Airbuses? They are great Airplanes. Basically, Airbus is made by a European conglomerate and is the main competition for Boeing in the passenger airliner industry. If you have any specific questions/concerns, I will be happy to help address them.

Take care and :welcome

Scott

[LesliePHX]

I'll echo what Graciecat said about United; I'm a big United fan. In fact, I just got elite frequent flyer status with them, having completed 30 United segments this year! (preen, crow, preen)

United's channel 9 is a great feature. Please give it a try, I bet you'll love it. I feel deprived now whenever I fly another airline because no other airline has it.

I've done a ton of time on United's Airbuses too ... they only fly the A-320 between Phoenix and Denver now, so I'm almost always on an Airbus flying out of here. I like those planes a lot and prefer them to the similarly sized Boeing 737, just based on how they look and feel.

Please fly United and the Airbus with confidence -- and do meet the captain beforehand. I always do, and my United captains have been just super. You can take the opportunity to ask him/her to keep channel 9 on; almost all of them keep it on as a matter of course, but some only turn it on if requested.

Leslie

[Chelle]

JazzBelle, welcome! :wave

The A320 is a nice safe aircraft. My fiance and I fly on A320's back and forth between Toronto/SFO about every 4-6 weeks (ok, mostly him, lol) to visit each other. They're Air Canada flights operated by United (or vice versa, not sure how they're connected but if you look up the same flight for United it's the same plane/flight). In fact, he's coming in on the redeye this Friday morning on one.

It's a nice comfy plane, and a smooth ride. You'll be just fine!

Let us know how you do :)

[JamieAllison]

Hi JazzBelle,

:welcome

I don't have much to add to the messages you already got, but I have flown on the A320 and liked it a lot.

I second the suggestion to read Captain Ray's book. It's really helpful. Also, hang out here a lot!

Jamie

[JazzBelle04]

Hi all, thank you so much for your generous support and understanding.

I felt a lot better today and was even EXCITED about the upcoming trip.

However, as night time comes around, my irrational mind begins to take a hold of me. I am fearful again and it's 1:34 AM PST and I just can't sleep. I've always had anxiety about flying, but not to this extent. Up until the age of 20, I've flown from San Francisco to Hawaii, London, Australia, NYC, Boston, New Orleans, Philly, Chicago, Seattle and some other trips. I've logged in some good amount of time in the air. But as I started my 20s, this fear started to set in; this dehabilitating fear. I have a fear of the safety of planes as well as having to trust someone with your life. It's just so frightening. My boyfriend will also be taking this flight with me, but he's just so nonchalant about it that it makes me feel silly and crazy. While he tries to understand support me, it's hard when he is someone who thinks flying is safer than driving and crossing the street (which is true). But it's lonelier when you have someone to vent to who doesn't understand your fear than to not have someone to vent to in the first place. Anyway, I will be purchasing the Captain's book and I thank you all for your help. If you have any further reassuring messages, and advice on how you dealt with your fears, they will be greatly appreciated.

Jazz

[spleisher]

Jazz.... We've all been there. Especially at night when your brain runs amok... It's part of the deal.. a typical symptom.

A320's are nice. To be honest, they're very similar to a 737. In fact, it is hard to tell them apart to the untrained eye. They have an excellent safety record and are a highly automated, new aircraft.

I don't want anybody on this board to take this the wrong way because the 737 is my FAVORITE plane, but I actually think the A319,320,321 are a little more comfortable than the 73. They're just a tad bigger inside, wwhich makes a difference.

Jazz... you'll do great!! Hang in there, and try to look toward the other, more pleasant aspects of your trip. :thumbsup

Scott

[ChrisLynch]

"Has anyone flown with United recently? Has anyone flown on an Airbus? "

I flew on one 2 years ago to Vegas and it was fine, it was not as new as the ones in the pics above but the flight was fine. Airbus A322's are very common and used all over the world, they have an excellent safety record.

United are one of my favourite airlines, channel 9 is great and their cabin crew are excellent.

Chris Lynch

[spleisher]

For what it's worth, there has NEVER been a crash of a domestic A320... And let me tell you, there are a LOT of them flying in the good ole USA.

Scott

[beaugest]

Hi Jazz, I also want to say welcome. :flowers
When I read your last post it occurred to me that there's two types of anxiety you are dealing with here. One is the anticipatory anxiety. That's the one keeping you awake at night. A technique that might help you with it is to make an appointment with your anxiety. I know that might sound bizarre but give it a try. If it's 1;00AM and you are laying awake getting panicky say to yourself "I'm not going to think about this till later." I usually tell myself that I'm not going to allow myself to think about it until the day before the flight. Of course, the thoughts will continue to try and creep back in. But it is surprising how after awhile you can make them go away until their "appointed time." It just might require you yelling at yourself the first few times.The dialogue would go something like this;"I just know my plane is going to lose an engine midair. Listen, scary thought you do not have an appointment. You need to get out of my head until..." Just try not to do this dialogue aloud and in public. Otherwise you might find yourself being carted away...:p
The second anxiety is the actual on the plane anxiety. For that you will get amazing recommendations on this board. People have a wide variety of methods that they use to sooth themselves. It may help at the beginning to take along a bag of those tools. Magazines for distractions, definitely Ray's book, I print out some of my favorite posts from here that I find reassuring, some people rent portable DVD's to make the trip go faster.
I haven't done this myself but folks here swear by meeting the captain before you fly. Makes sense to me it would be helpful.
And, of course, hop on here when you are feeling anxious---get support and your questions answered.
Sorry for being so long-winded. Occupational hazard.
Have you ever heard of a quiet therapist...:scratch

[invert29]

Hey Jazz,

Believe me, I know exactly what you are feeling right now. I was up all night worrying about my flight tonight. The thing that helps my anticipatory anxiety a little is to get mad at it. I do not get mad at myself, just at the fear. I keep telling myself that I am bigger and stronger than it and it is not going to stop me from doing what I need to do. It seems to help dissipate it a little by giving the control back to myself. I can feel it but it doesn't have to rule me. I don't know if this could work for you...it helps me a little.

As for feeling alone even though your boyfriend is with you, I understand that as well. I will only fly with my wife and she is totally understanding of my phobia but it doesn't always help me. I have heard other people say that there isn't really anything another person can DO for you (except be supportive) but that the confidence has to ultimately come from us.

[ChrisLynch]

"For what it's worth, there has NEVER been a crash of a domestic A320... And let me tell you, there are a LOT of them flying in the good ole USA."

Airbus all the way for me then.:jump I seem to always end up on them ive only been on a couple of Boeings though I really like the 737-300.

Chris Lynch

[JazzBelle04]

It's noon now, and again, I'm a teensy bit anxious but doing alright again! Thanks for all your advice. I will try to make an "appointment" with my fears.

Good luck on your flight tonight Invert. Have someone track your flight, that thought is comforting, that all our friends are looking out for us.

[xiknal]

Hi, Jazz! Sorry to be late greeting you, but my server was down most of yesterday. I have had numerous good experiences with United--usually beautiful flights scenery-wise, too (flying over the Rockies, Sierras and Cascades), and like Leslie, I like listening to Channel 9. I have a friend (my former primary flight instructor) who is now a First Officer for NWA flying an A320, and he loves it. He has flown all sorts of aircraft, and this is his dream job.

Otherwise, what Monica suggests about the appointment is great advice. :thumbsup If you are able to keep postponing the worrying, go for it. If not, I have found a variation on this strategy to be helpful: it's a combo of thought-stopping, postponement, and scheduled worry time. You can learn more about it on a site (anxieties.com) in our 'anxiety resources' section.

Welcome to Taking Flight and keep us posted as the big day approaches...first flight in five years! :woohoo It just might turn out to be a surprise of the happy sort!

Barb

[JazzBelle04]

Hi all!!!

I made my flight!!!!!!! I am so proud of myself. During the days approaching, I had so much school work to do, that in a way, that was a perfect for me to make an "appointment" with my fears. Last night, I read over everyone's suggestions again, read Ray's book, and then packed. I got to the airport early. The takeoff and landing was superb, barely any turbulence at all! And even when there was a tiny bit, I just knew I shouldn't worry about it!!! I met the pilot and co pilot and they were sooo sweet. The pilot told me about his family and how he wished he could be home for Thanksgiving, but he had to fly and so he would have a post-Thanksgiving dinner with his wife and two kids. That just made me feel so much better, knowing these people have kids and families, and lives they love.

Have a great Thanksgiving everyone!!!!!! I have a return trip to take Friday night. I am a little anxious just because it is a night flight, but again, I will apply the same techniques I learned to calm my fears down today!!!

[beaugest]

Jazz, that's great. You really worked to reduce your anxiety and it's great to see it happen. I'm so glad you let us know how it went.
Have a great Thanksgiving. Monica :thumbsup

[Jeff California]

hooray!!!! congrats!!

Enjoy the turkey and dont worry about the return.

[spleisher]

Congrats Jazz!!! I told you the UAL Airbus would be fine!