New here. Well, kind of

[Wisconsinite]

I've been lurking around here since the inception of this board. I previously was a lurker on the other board as well and decided since I'm flying on Thursday, to join the crowd. I don't fly often, typically a couple of times of year for pleasure and never really minded it, I wasn't doing cartwheels at the thought of boarding, but didn't really mind it until the whole 9/11 thing. For whatever reason, it really sent me into fright mode everytime I get on a plane. I have flown 4-5 times since 9/11 and am a nervous wreck the entire time. I had an awful experience, with anxiety, on my last flight which was in February. I think I have the anxiety thing under control, which among other things, alot of you have helped with by posting your words of wisdom, flight reports, etc., but am still nervous about the whole thing.

I'm planning on doing the "meet the pilot" that everyone has suggested. I'm flying Northwest and haven't seen much about them, if anything, on the boards. I have flown with them the last couple of times and the flights have been fine, probably because I'm so wrapped up in the fact that this is the plane that is going down today, that I don't notice anything else. Any thoughts on Northwest? Has anyone asked to meet a Northwest pilot and were they pretty accepting?

I also want to let you know what a great board this is. I, like many of you, feel that I'm the only one that feels this way and it is actually pretty amazing how many FOF's there are out there. Everyone I talk to about it thinks I'm nuts, and start in on the statistics, it's safer than walking across the street, etc, etc...

[Passenger Mark]

Howdy Wisconsin!

http://vexilolognet.hyperlink.cz/wisconsin.gif

Welcome aboard, great to have you here!

:welcome

9-11 certainly had an extreme effect on many, especially folks with FOF.

We could all relate so well with the folks on the planes.

I am certain that was one of the goals of the terrorist. To take something that we do everyday, and use it against us.

Take comfort in knowing that can never happen again. Why?

First and foremost... the passengers will never allow it. Prior to 9-11 the standard procedure for a hi-jacking was to cooperate and allow the hijackers to go where they want. Using history as the model, it was understood that the plane would fly "somewhere" land, and negotiations would take place. The plane may get hot and stinky, but eventually everything would work out... on the ground!

Now, today, it is a totally different situation. IF someone were to try to hijack a airliner, the pilots will NEVER open that door. The passengers will not sit still for it.

I have said it before, that these terrorist may be evil, but they are not stupid. And in one aspect, they are like everyone else in that they have limited resources. They have limited amount of cash, weapons, and most of all, limited personal.

They are not going to waste these limited resources on something that is destined to fail.

Today, I am more concerned about being in a location of large gatherings of people. Especially ones that symbolize our way of life, such as sporting events, holiday gatherings etc.

I do think that they will continue to send out "fake" threats against the travel industry, as this in itself is a very effective means of terrorism.

So understand that while we can identify with what happen on 9-11, especially when we climb on-board an airliner, the world is a totally different place than it was on that day.

As for Northwest, I flew them from Los Angeles to Charlotte NC a few years ago. No complaints. And safety wise, I have not heard or seen anything bad. Others here may have more experience with them.

Thanks,

Mark

[MadScientist]

:welcome

As for Northwest, I'm not a fan of them. Not due to safety reasons because they clearly have a good record. My problems have all been related to their customer service. So, from the casual flier's point of view, you can feel confident in Northwest.

Enjoy the flight!

[beaugest]

I'm so glad that you decided to post. I'm betting just starting to talk about it here will help.
I think 9/11 changed our lives in so many ways . Ways we haven't figured it out. As a therapist in the NY/NJ area I have worked with many people directly and indirectly affected by that day. I have noticed a steady renewal in most people. a desire to work through these issues whether it's FOF, fear of public places, fear of trains,etc.
Talking to people that are experiencing the same thing and coming up with concrete ways to address it really helps.
Where in wisconsin are you from? My husband is from there My kids and him were walking around depressed about Wis. losing on Sat. I thought I was going to have to start a therapy group for depressed sports nuts!!!:wired

[Wisconsinite]

Thanks for the welcomes and for your comments . I think I will be printing plenty of this stuff off to take with me on Thursday. I think one of the things I struggle with is that what Mark had said is exactly what I would tell someone if they asked but I need to get myself to believe it.

You are right, finally posting & talking about it here has helped/will help. Although, I have to admit, when I decided to post, it was like making my first confession all over again.

Beaugest: I am from Madison, so the pain of the Badger loss is felt for a couple of days around here. Thankfully, the Packers won so that takes some of the edge off.

[spleisher]

NO need to be at all shy about posting. We all love to hear each others problems. Before you know it, you'll be posting with reckless abandon. It can be a lot of fun.

[WillFlyToDisney2]

Welcome to the board!

Northwest is a fine airline safetywise. I do agree with Ken in their lack of customer service sometimes but honestly most airlines have the same issues from time to time. I flew NWA from CHS to DTW and back a few months back and was very happy with them.

You'll do just fine! Post your tracking info on the tracking board and we will watch your flight. You can also track that exact flight the few days before you take it so you can see how routine it really is.

:)
Kelley

[xiknal]

I think one of the things I struggle with is that what Mark had said is exactly what I would tell someone if they asked but I need to get myself to believe it.

Hi, Wisconsinite! :yoohoo

What you say above really illustrates the trick that has been pulled on us. It really is a trick--a sneak neurochemical attack, and the proof of it lies in the fact that we can command all the logic and facts needed to demolish it were it something that responds to logic or was put in place by logic.

But it wasn't, and it isn't. :\

But then, there comes a point in our work on it where all the logical arguments fall right in and become allies in our progress.

Thanks for joining us. Many people here know exactly what you're going through, and you can get a lot of support here.

Barb

[Chelle]

Welcome Wisconsinite! :welcome

Glad you decided to jump in :jump