I'm flying to Italy tomorrow!

[katieb81]

Hi folks...just wanted to talk about it a bit! I'm doing really well-the AA was a bit annoying last week, but I'm feeling better now-more giddy and excited, not so anxious. I'm a little nervous about how I'm going to feel when there's no turning back-aka the plane is heading down the runway, baby-here you go! My biggest hang up right now is the plane. I'm flying United-a 747 on the way out, a 767 on the way back. For some reason the bigger planes make me more nervous (have no idea why) I am also dwelling a bit on the possibility of there being electrical problems-can't seem to stop playing that scenario in my head. Anyone want to tell me about the redundancy built into the plane-to ensure that it won't fail?

I'm flying out of Chicago-do you track International flights?

Thanks, everyone!!
-Katie

[scottr0829]

We can track flights with radar until they are out of US air space. After that, we can only do the tracking via the sites that show if they made it or not.

In regards to the 747 and 767, you really have nothing to worry about. Solid planes with solid histories. I can't comment on the electrical systems as I am not knowledgeable enough with them and would not want to give you bad advice.

[NAustin]

Hey Katie! Wow Italy! My girlfriend has been pressuring me for an Italy trip for quite some time now and I am hoping we will be able to go next summer.

My humble advice to you in order to calm your AA ( something I relate to) is to remember that safety statistics reflect all large commercial aircraft both large and small. So there is no disadvantage to a small plane or a big one. Try not to dwell on the specifics of the aircraft but rather assure yourself that you are on a brilliantly designed aircraft, that is impeccably maintained and operated by highly trained and highly qualified professionals. Fill your mind with the beautiful thoughts of all the wonderful things that await you when you arrive safely, and the wonderful memories that you will share with others and cherish once you arrive back home.

You will be just fine!

[CAflyer]

Yeah I get the big plane is more scary thing, maybe because something that big should not be in the sky :)

[bellevueace]

I always feel more comfy on the larger planes, you tend to forget you are actually airborne once you are into cruise mode and engrossed in the entertainment system. In periods of turbulence i prefer the bigger planes, a bit like being on a large ship in choppy waters compared to a small boat.

[Tippster]

I always feel more comfy on the larger planes, you tend to forget you are actually airborne once you are into cruise mode and engrossed in the entertainment system. In periods of turbulence i prefer the bigger planes, a bit like being on a large ship in choppy waters compared to a small boat.

I agree totally!

[katieb81]

We can track flights with radar until they are out of US air space. After that, we can only do the tracking via the sites that show if they made it or not.

In regards to the 747 and 767, you really have nothing to worry about. Solid planes with solid histories. I can't comment on the electrical systems as I am not knowledgeable enough with them and would not want to give you bad advice.

Just reading that they are solid planes with solid histories makes me settle down a bit. Thanks!

[katieb81]

Hey Katie! Wow Italy! My girlfriend has been pressuring me for an Italy trip for quite some time now and I am hoping we will be able to go next summer.


My humble advice to you in order to calm your AA ( something I relate to) is to remember that safety statistics reflect all large commercial aircraft both large and small. So there is no disadvantage to a small plane or a big one. Try not to dwell on the specifics of the aircraft but rather assure yourself that you are on a brilliantly designed aircraft, that is impeccably maintained and operated by highly trained and highly qualified professionals. Fill your mind with the beautiful thoughts of all the wonderful things that await you when you arrive safely, and the wonderful memories that you will share with others and cherish once you arrive back home.


You will be just fine!


Yes, NAustin-thanks for pointing that out. I hope you get to Italy next Summer-I am beyond excited and will be sure to give you a report when I get back. IMPECCABLY MAINTAINED. I'm going to chant that for a bit now.

[katieb81]

Yeah I get the big plane is more scary thing, maybe because something that big should not be in the sky :)

Yes, that is part of it....and I feel like all the "big crashes" involve the big planes. That is not based on fact, however-just my own personal impression! The bigger it is = more things that can go wrong. But I'm *not* thinking that way!

[AndyR]

Yes, that is part of it....and I feel like all the "big crashes" involve the big planes. That is not based on fact, however-just my own personal impression! The bigger it is = more things that can go wrong. But I'm *not* thinking that way!

Big planes have the same parts as small planes. As was said earlier, both have excellent track records. You will be fine. I find as well that in larger aircraft I feel more like I'm sitting in some sort of theater or something rather than a plane. I flew the 777 from LAX to MIA and it felt like a big cruise ship. Bring alot to do on your flight and this will keep the anxiety away.

[navel_gazer]

I'm in a big plane right now-- a 767. It's been a smooth ride. I like that a lot better than bumpy regionals. You'll be fine! Enjoy your trip and have a wonderful time.