Please someone reassure me and snap me back into being a rational person! thanks!

[mg83]

It's my first time posting... a little background: I didn't get on an airplane until I was 17 years old. Not because I was afraid, but because we never had any money to go anywhere :shocked:

Anyway, from the ages of 18-23... I flew everywhere! MCO - EWR many times. JFK to Athens (greece not georgia), all over Europe with their awesome low cost carriers, MCO to Costa Rica, DFW to London, Florida to Seattle many times... you name it. I had no fear, nor did I really ever think about it.

However, something just "snapped" earlier this year... I was alone on a flight from ATL - SEA, non stop Delta. And I was just over come by fear.... out of nowhere. Could it be I'm getting "older" by turning 25?! :cry:

Now I've basically become a nut-case... it's so sad too because I LOVE to travel. I've always been scared of take offs (i HATE it and i sit there like a maniac with my eyes closed tightly)... but it's like now I'm panicked through the entire flight. I've combed through this site and realize my fears are similar to everyone else's. My rational brain knows the statistics... and then my irrational brain takes over and is like "WHAT IF THIS ONE IS THE ONE!"

I'm scared of Airbuses, Regional Jets, and even sometimes MDs... and will actively seek other carriers and routes. I never even bothered to check which planes I was on before this (though I was never on a prop or anything!)

Which brings me to my issue today. I'd like to fly to upstate New York in October. Out of Atlanta - there's a perfect non stop flight for soooo cheap... only thing - it's on Delta's regional jet. "CRJ100 Operated by ASA". The flight is a mere 2:15m long. But its that plane...

My other option is to fly into another airport that is an hour's drive to my destination. Not only that, the ticket is about 70$ more expensive. Plus the cost of gas to drive? It's just so stupid... all this so I can fly on a Boeing 717 to feel more "safe"?

Can anyone help bring me back to the rational side of things and assure me that taking the CLOSE, CHEAP CRJ flight is the right thing to do?

Oh, just a wacky tip to others who need to be preoccupied. COLOR. This is my great escape. Sure it's kind of dumb for a 'grown' woman to be coloring, but I don't care. I get those huge jumbo coloring books... a 64 pack of Crayola's and color away. I also give them to my friends when I get to my destination. :cool:

[MathFox]

Hello :welcome2:

However, something just "snapped" earlier this year... I was alone on a flight from ATL - SEA, non stop Delta. And I was just over come by fear.... out of nowhere. Could it be I'm getting "older" by turning 25?! :cry:

Now I've basically become a nut-case... it's so sad too because I LOVE to travel. I've always been scared of take offs (i HATE it and i sit there like a maniac with my eyes closed tightly)... but it's like now I'm panicked through the entire flight. I've combed through this site and realize my fears are similar to everyone else's. My rational brain knows the statistics... and then my irrational brain takes over and is like "WHAT IF THIS ONE IS THE ONE!"

Can anyone help bring me back to the rational side of things and assure me that taking the CLOSE, CHEAP CRJ flight is the right thing to do?


I feel that YOUR rational side already knows the statistics... and that there is very little fact for me to add. You should learn some tricks that allow your rational mind to override your irrational brain. http://www.anxieties.com/ is a recommended site. Thought snapping is one that pops up in my mind.
What also could help is a little bit more knowledge of how a plane takes off. You say you always disliked them; but more knowledge and a review of (normal) take off videos may desensitize you there.

I am sure that other members will have good advice too... And read some of the other posts on the board. :grouphug:

[CAflyer]

I know how you feel and coming here is a great step and has helped me out a lot. It's funny how we pick things to be extra scared of.. the type of plane, etc. Just keep writing out your feelings and looking at other people's posts on here. Some of the biggest scardy cats have had such good flights and have come back to tell us about them. I think it is a common theme that when you get old you get scared of loosing more so maybe this is what happened to you.

[mg83]

Thanks for the replies thus far!

Using the search function on this forum has helped me. I've been reading a ton.

[aerobat]

Hi, mg83!
Welcome to our cool little spot on the internet! :welcome:
Awrighty.
I just want to point out a wee little contradiction in what you've told us, but please don't feel like you're being criticized or that we're asking you to undo it!

Not right this minute, anyway...:lol:


I had no fear, nor did I really ever think about it.

However, something just "snapped" earlier this year... I was alone on a flight from ATL - SEA, non stop Delta. And I was just over come by fear.... out of nowhere. Could it be I'm getting "older" by turning 25?! :cry:

Now I've basically become a nut-case... it's so sad too because I LOVE to travel. I've always been scared of take offs (i HATE it and i sit there like a maniac with my eyes closed tightly)... but it's like now I'm panicked through the entire flight.

So, truth to tell, there has always been some fear every time you flew. It's just that it was contained in one part of the flight (takeoff), and that once you were off the ground, or perhaps when you reached your cruising altitude, you felt much more comfortable.

A lot of people think they're going crazy because the fear seems to come out of nowhere and makes no sense. In your case, you've flown a lot, including some long flights to Europe and coast-to-coast, and it sounds like you have been able to keep the fear from escalating.

Until that recent flight to Seattle.

Does it have something to do with turning 25? Well, it might. But what "getting older" really means is that people tend to reach a point in their lives where they're taking on more responsibility--often responsibility for family members. This is a big reason why FoF tends to pop up in twentysomethings.

I got nailed at age 20. It seemed to come out of nowhere for me, too, and didn't really show up as FoF per se for a couple more years. But I really think it always comes from somewhere. I also think that analyzing it to the depths:rolleyes: is not the way to recover, though we can gain some self-confidence by recognizing our fear triggers.

Let me ask: why does takeoff scare you so much? Is it the physical sensations and the visual experience (if you were to look out the window)? Do you feel that at that moment the pilots might suddenly lose control and crash? Are you replaying memories of famous air disasters that happened during takeoff?

What I'm thinking is that the "retaining wall" you have put around the takeoff experience has developed some cracks, and the fear that was once bottled up in that space has started to color the rest of the flight.

I don't suppose you can just shove it back in there again. To look at the bright side, you are now being challenged by your own mind and your motivation to grow and be free, and the challenge is: confront the monster. :troll: Beard the dragon in its den. Learn what you need to know to accept the takeoff as a good thing, and as a safe part of the flight.

You have gotten some excellent suggestions up the thread.

You might also ask yourself whether there are any events in your life that are adding stress to your flying, and see what you can do to separate those out.

I don't think the issue really is whether you should fly on a CRJ or a 717. Giving in to that dilemma only feeds your fear; if we flee from one type of plane, the fear can chase us down and attach to every type of plane. Of course, there are rational decisions in the midst of this. But right now we are talking about outfoxing the irrational part.

Stay with us. You can do this! :thumbsup:

[mg83]

Hmm you're right. I definitely was nervous during take offs, but as soon as it was "safe to move around" and to listen to your electronic devices, I was absolutely fine.

When I say I never really thought about it, I think I mean... I never thought about what was actually going on. Post the Seattle flight in February... all I can think about is how I'm in this enclosed space... flying at these incredible speeds. Take offs scare me because I feel like "how can this HUGE fully loaded, gigantic thing get off the ground and into the air safely?"

I've been on flights post the Feb 08 debacle. Each leg was only 2 hours... and I felt like "oh god just let this be over already". I wouldn't say this newly surfaced phobia is anywhere near as debilitating as some of the other poster's. Its sad to read that people cancel their flights because of this fear :hug: Traveling is so amazing and it really sucks that things like this get in the way.

I have another "long haul" flight in a month. This time from Birgmingham, AL to DFW and then on to Seattle. It's on AA - reading these forums definitely helps so much. I have the confidence (on this day) that my flights will be great.... now, I just need to keep this attitude the entire way. :magic:

[Kimmar]

Why do you think that certain planes are safer than others? (I'm not asking for a rational answer, I'm asking you to "say out loud" what you're thinking when you get on on board a CRJ instead of a 717. What *really* goes on in that mind of yours??:eek:.)

That would helps us to help you.

[mg83]

Well the good, but probably counterproductive news is that we had to switch the days for our trip... which means Airtran is still flying into the airport we need to go to... at the same price... which means I don't have to fly on the Delta CRJ :happyguy:Again, probably counterproductive.

I feel like the Airtran fleet is "nice and new" and I don't think anything major has happened with the 717s they use, which would be what we're flying on.

When I see pictures of Delta's CRJs I feel like they're old and obviously they're smaller... which somehow contributes to the fear. The old part contributes even more so.

I know that 100s of CRJ's fly in and out of Atlanta each day. I was scared when that one crashed in Kentucky... although I know that it was NOT the plane.

I'm scared of Airbuses because it feels like they've been in more accidents that were plane-related? I don't know... that AA flight from NYC to the Dominican... that's what I have in my head.

[Kimmar]

I don't know if you know this, but any commercial plane you fly on is never more than 3 years old, technically.

The reason for that is that *every* plane has inspections every so many hours (100, 500, 1000, etc.) and are *completely* taken apart, and rebuilt every 3 years whether it's needed or not! LOL They are essentially new planes when this happens.

So a five year old plane is actually newer than a 3 year old plane, because the 5 year old plane would have been rebuilt 2 years ago...(Follow me??:lol:) Bet you can't say that about a lot of cars you see on the road!

I took some flying lessons in a Cessna 172, (4 seater) and it was originally built in the 1960`s! (Just like me!) However we went through all the facts about all the inspections and rebuilds that a plane goes through, and I realized that it was newer than the van I drove to the lessons! LOL

Keep that in mind when a plane looks `tired`. It`s only the interior, and doesn`t affect the mechanics at all. Don`t believe the monster when it tries to say `That plane is too old, it`s not safe...` Replace it with the *facts*.

[LeslieDEN]

I'm scared of Airbuses because it feels like they've been in more accidents that were plane-related? I don't know... that AA flight from NYC to the Dominican... that's what I have in my head.
That was an A300, which has a completely different design from the A319s and A320s. AA is the only domestic commercial airline that flies the A300, and even they fly it on very limited routes.

I might be a little nervous about jumping on an A300 (although FedEx and UPS use them constantly without incident), but I have no problem at all with the Airbuses in the A320 series (including the A319) and ride on them frequently.

[mg83]

Thank you!

What about the 'small' CRJ's Delta uses? The flight listed says CRJ100.

[MathFox]

What about the 'small' CRJ's Delta uses? The flight listed says CRJ100.

All of the planes that the airlines use (anything over 20 passengers) have to conform to the FAA safety rules. In essence the CRJs ERJs and Airbusses are as safe as the Boeings. Safe. Safer than your car.
Off course there are differences in size, noise, comfort, etc. But the basic rule is that when the pilot, airline or FAA sees a problem, there is no flying until the problem is solved. For the safety of the passengers.

A picture of the CRJ100:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Comair_CRJ100ER_JAX_N941CA.jpg

[mg83]

Thank you Fox.

I went ahead and booked the return flight on the Delta CRJ200. I've been using Flightaware to track those daily flights. That's helpful.

We will be going up there on Airtran (the "BIGGER" planes) but coming home on Delta. It'll be (I think) my first 2 hour flight on those CRJs... operated by "Atlantic Southeast Airlines".

I'm kind of excited that I had the courage to book that flight coming home since it was a better price and at a better time than the returning Airtran one.

We'll see! It's a short, 2 hour, evening flight. 6-8pm. :tiphat:

[MathFox]

Congratulations for finding the courage. :thumbsup:

If you want us to track your flights, post in the tracking board; you can ask any flight related question in this forum. (I am willing to explain how air becomes thick as jelly when the speed of the plane is high enough.)
BTW, as reward for our work we'ld appreciate a flight report after your trip. :angel: Any good flight motivates others.:grouphug:

[bellevueace]

I used to hate take offs, getting used to watching videos posted on you tube actually helped along with researching what a pilot can do if anything goes wrong at a critical moment, its suprising what they can do to get the aircraft out of trouble, just routine to them. The other thing was that feeling of dropping just after take off, i was told this is when the engines are throttled back, now i know when to expect it and its not so bad.

[mg83]

So, about the Airbuses.... the 319, 320, 330's are all a-ok?

A scary thought - my flight from MCO - MIA - SJO, Costa Rica and back was on those American Airlines A300s! I am just now remembering.

Thank the Lord I didn't have this fear 3 years ago.

I'm seeing some GREAT deals to Europe from now through March... I definitely want to take advantage of these, but part of the trip is on an A320...

Also, FWIW, I was on a short trip from ATL to Memphis a couple of months ago where the plane listed on the itinerary was not the one used.

We were listed to be on a CRJ (I believe), but they had us on a 737... because we were 'escorting' home a soldier from Afghanistan. The male flight attendant said when they had to make trips like this, they use a larger plane? It was like the worst 55 minute flight I've ever been on. :cry:

[MathFox]

So, about the Airbuses.... the 319, 320, 330's are all a-ok?

A scary thought - my flight from MCO - MIA - SJO, Costa Rica and back was on those American Airlines A300s! I am just now remembering.

Thank the Lord I didn't have this fear 3 years ago.

I'm seeing some GREAT deals to Europe from now through March... I definitely want to take advantage of these, but part of the trip is on an A320...


The A320 series (A318-A319-A320-A321) is Airbus's answer to the Boeing 737 series. There are more than 3000 built and many on order. Standard single aisle with three seats on each side; in my opinion they feel a bit more comfortable than equivalent 737s.
The A330 is wide-body long-range plane that fits in between the Boeing 767 and 777. Also a comfortable plane (French interior designers:)).

All of these planes are designed to the same US and EU safety standards that Boeing has to follow too. They are just as safe, the aviation authorities see to that.

[LeslieDEN]

The A320 series (A318-A319-A320-A321) is Airbus's answer to the Boeing 737 series. There are more than 3000 built and many on order. Standard single aisle with three seats on each side; in my opinion they feel a bit more comfortable than equivalent 737s.).
I concur! I prefer the A320/A319 ("the Airbus twins") to the 737 for comfort.

For safety, there's no difference. Some folks are anti-Airbus because they've got some emotional attachment to Boeing, but that's just silly.

[Barb-SAN]

We were listed to be on a CRJ (I believe), but they had us on a 737... because we were 'escorting' home a soldier from Afghanistan. The male flight attendant said when they had to make trips like this, they use a larger plane? It was like the worst 55 minute flight I've ever been on. :cry:
Do you mean escorting a deceased soldier? Maybe there wasn't enough cargo space for a coffin on a CRJ, and that's why they needed to use a larger plane?

What was it about the flight that made it the worst you had ever been on?

[Getb0rn]

mg83:I went ahead and booked the return flight on the Delta CRJ200. I've been using Flightaware to track those daily flights. That's helpful.

Barb San and I were speaking about the benefits of tracking flights. I think it's a great thing to do, if not for ourselves for our fellow FOF-ers.

If you track a flight which your going to be on soon, you can see how many times it takes off and lands safely (which is every time!). If you use flight aware you can also see how long it take to get up to cruising so you can estimate the approximate time (weather permitting) that your seatbelt sign will go off!

Also it's nice knowing people on hear are watching you whilst you fly. Thinking about you and sending you good thoughts!

I have also this strange discomfort about Airbus, I think it's because Boeing is the most spoken. I went on an Airbus from PER to KL and it was actually quieter than a 767, and more comfortable.

Congrats on having the courage to be able to book a CJR flight, this is a good step forward. Is it a short flight? Are you going to post your flight details here so people can track you?

I wish you all the best on your flights!:blush:

[mg83]

Thank you for the Airbus comments - but what about those A300s? I know AA is the only US airline to still fly them and I believe they are getting rid of them shortly... they usually only fly from FL to Central and South America, I think... anyway.

Barb, yes. We were escorting home a deceased soldier. The CRJ typically used for the Atlanta -> Memphis route was too small I guess. The male flight attendant was telling us about this because I mentioned that we were on a "bigger plane!" I was excited about that... but then I realized WHY.

It was a bad flight for me just because I was already anxious - just knowing why we were put on a bigger plane kind of jarred me. All mental really, a combination of things including FoF.

I will report back in a few weeks when I take my first round of summer trips... Including a "long one" from Birmingham, Alabama to Dallas to Seattle and back!


:shocked:

I really like FlightAware for the same reasons. I like tracking the same flight, down to the exact flight #, that I will be on. And I love seeing "ARRIVED" and the exact duration of the flight. I love when they're shorter than planned!

[MathFox]

The Airbus A300 is an older model (currently out of production) and gradually being retired. The A330 is Airbus's replacement for the A300 (and A310). There have been 561 planes sold. I would not hesitate to board an AA A300; knowing that the plane will be well-maintained.

[bellevueace]

When i flew out to Malaga i went on a 737, the return journey was on an Airbus 321 which i thought a more comfortable plane. Im flying to Barcelona in sept with monarch and they use the airbus on this route, checking their fleet statistics they dont appear to use the 737 at all.