1st flight tomorrow

[y2kc]

I have for 38 years avoided air travel. the thought of flying frightens me, it always has.

Is my fear irrational? statistically speaking, of course, but for me, since the possibility exists of a crash, I can't see why my luck would be better than anyone else's of surviving tomorrow's flight.

The flight is from Philly to Atlanta. a 3 hour flight.

maybe i'll drive (or cop some valium).

any advice?

update:

I'm leaving for the airport. Hopefully i'll be posting from Atlanta next. If not, ciao, it's been fun.

update 2:

That was quite the experience.

The takeoff was actually fun! I'll admit, my knees were shaking in anticipation but as soon as he started to get up to speed it was pretty cool.

I can live without the rest. My ears are still hurting and the landing descent was harrowing. The ride for the most part was relatively smooth, a few bumps here and there but overall it was smooth.

The flying itself wasn't that bad, but being at the mercy of the pilot, the elements and who knows what else is something I don't think I'll ever enjoy. I think I'm a feet on the ground type of guy.

Thanks for all of your encouragement. 1 more ride on a plane and I think I'm done.

 

[iamwiz82]

My father is the same way, to the point where he will not be attending my wedding because he cannot get on a plane. I say that it isn't worth having a heart attack worrying about a flight, so drive if you feel you must.

 

[clarkey01]

Dont worry, I love the whole buzz of going to the airport and getting on a plane.

Erm, dont know how that helps but, best of luck anyhow !

 

[quakefiend420]

i would go with the valium

 

[rh71]

You have a fear because you do not have control. Have you ever sat in the passenger seat of a car ? That frightens me because I don't have control of the brakes... but you get over it. Do it once, and you will feel more comfortable. You already know the statistics for air vs. car so you shouldn't have anything more to worry about.

 

[KK]

I wouldn't worry so much about the flight as I would the destination. Atlanta's a hell hole.

 

[Zysoclaplem]

I got on my first plane last year. I hated it. I hated being off the ground. I kept asking my bf questions like, "What's that noise?" and "Are we supposed to be vibrating?"
Got to Mexico and back fine, with no problems. I hated the take off and the landing. It was also cramped, but we were flying coach.

 

[clarkey01]

Theres more chance of you dying in a car crash then a plane crash.

Which is true, since you use a car everyday and not a plane.

 

[HardcoreRobot]

its certainly not a natural feeling, but you have to realize that it is *extremely* safe
pop some pills if it will help you relax and get through it, but flying is very very safe. like they say, bigger chance of getting killed on the drive to the airport than on the flight itself (by a large margin).

 

[y2kc]

Originally posted by: rh71
You have a fear because you do not have control. Have you ever sat in the passenger seat of a car ? That frightens me because I don't have control of the brakes... but you get over it. Do it once, and you will feel more comfortable. You already know the statistics for air vs. car so you shouldn't have anything more to worry about.

I agree, I never used to let my wife drive me anywhere, not for 16 years. there aren't many folks I let drive me around. I need to be in control (or high). I don't drink so that's not an option.

 

[TravisT]

Really, i think once you are up in the air, you won't be to worried. It doesn't feel any different than being on the ground if you ask me. So just sit back and relax.

 

[y2kc]

Originally posted by: KK
I wouldn't worry so much about the flight as I would the destination. Atlanta's a hell hole.

last minute business trip.. all expenses paid.

 

[Scarpozzi]

Do you like roller coasters or just plain acceleration? The best part about flying is that when you strap in and those jets kick in, you can feel the g-force. I can only imagine what fighter jet pilots feel. I love it...

It's cool defying gravity...a neat feeling. I hope you get a window seat...you'll be looking out the window in awe.

 

[rh71]

Originally posted by: TravisT
Really, i think once you are up in the air, you won't be to worried. It doesn't feel any different than being on the ground if you ask me. So just sit back and relax.

Minus the turbulence once in a while. I've been on about 15 flights (30 if you count round trip) and I still get worried for a sec if we dip for a split second. It's natural though... like the same feeling you have when a car suddently cuts you off...

Anyway, I must say the most worrysome part of a flight is the first minute or so after you are off the ground on a take-off. The plane tends to feel like it's loose as it climbs... yet another thing I guess you have to get used to.

 

[y2kc]

Originally posted by: Scarpozzi
Do you like roller coasters or just plain acceleration? The best part about flying is that when you strap in and those jets kick in, you can feel the g-force. I can only imagine what fighter jet pilots feel. I love it...

It's cool defying gravity...a neat feeling. I hope you get a window seat...you'll be looking out the window in awe.

I hate roller coasters, i don't do rides. Heights are not my thing.

 

[rh71]

Originally posted by: clarkey01
Theres more chance of you dying in a car crash then a plane crash.

Which is true, since you use a car everyday and not a plane.

hundreds of flights take off each day... from a single airport.... multiply that by the number of people on each flight and the number of airports there are across the world. How many crashes do you hear of ? I can't remember the last one...

The chances are very slim... that you are the person to die if it happens.

 

[Ausm]

Travel in business class and get hammered ..It works for me

Ausm

 

[Scarpozzi]

Originally posted by: y2kc

Originally posted by: Scarpozzi
Do you like roller coasters or just plain acceleration? The best part about flying is that when you strap in and those jets kick in, you can feel the g-force. I can only imagine what fighter jet pilots feel. I love it...

It's cool defying gravity...a neat feeling. I hope you get a window seat...you'll be looking out the window in awe.

I hate roller coasters, i don't do rides. Heights are not my thing.

Pretend you're watching a movie....

 

[Zysoclaplem]

Originally posted by: y2kc

Originally posted by: Scarpozzi
Do you like roller coasters or just plain acceleration? The best part about flying is that when you strap in and those jets kick in, you can feel the g-force. I can only imagine what fighter jet pilots feel. I love it...

It's cool defying gravity...a neat feeling. I hope you get a window seat...you'll be looking out the window in awe.

I hate roller coasters, i don't do rides. Heights are not my thing.

You probably won't enjoy the flight. But it won't be that bad. Just look around when you get on the plane. If you hear a noise or something, and no one else is freaking out, chances are everything is okay.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Don't worry about it.

Just out of curiosity, how have you managed to live 38 years and not ever have traveled anywhere by airplane? I will be 38 in a couple weeks and I've flown countless times. I'd much rather fly than drive. I enjoy it actually and it is quite safe.

You said it would take 3 hours to fly? It would take you probably 12 hours or more to drive it-that's like 800 miles one way!

 

[HomeBrewerDude]

it'll be alright, just remember to breathe and relax. take something that is really engrossing to you, like a book of crossword puzzles or some porno.

 

[royaldank]

Originally posted by: rh71

Originally posted by: clarkey01
Theres more chance of you dying in a car crash then a plane crash.

Which is true, since you use a car everyday and not a plane.

hundreds of flights take off each day... from a single airport.... multiply that by the number of people on each flight and the number of airports there are across the world. How many crashes do you hear of ? I can't remember the last one...

The chances are very slim... that you are the person to die if it happens.

Yeah, how many plane crashes do you hear about? There are 35,000+ flights in the US every single day. Your odds are astronomical against a crash. You seriously have a better chance of winning the lottery.

 

[clarkey01]

Originally posted by: rh71

Originally posted by: TravisT
Really, i think once you are up in the air, you won't be to worried. It doesn't feel any different than being on the ground if you ask me. So just sit back and relax.

Minus the turbulence once in a while. I've been on about 15 flights and I still get worried for a sec if we dip for a split second. It's natural though... like the same feeling you have when a car suddently cuts you off...

Anyway, I must say the most worrysome part of a flight is the first minute or so after you are off the ground on a take-off. The plane tends to feel like it's loose as it climbs... yet another thing I guess you have to get used to.

If that doesnt calm you down, NOTHING will

 

[iversonyin]

Your flight is going to crash, I feel it in my heart. ITS GOING DOWN!

Fear is nothing but fear itself

 

[KK]

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

You said it would take 3 hours to fly? It would take you probably 12 hours or more to drive it-that's like 800 miles one way!

Shouldn't take but 2 hours. Atlanta to Pittsburgh is about 1 1/2 hours. That is unless he's taking the crop duster, then I'd be worried.