Tips for terrified flyer

[Cantcook]

Originally Posted by Thorpy

I'd potentially go against that advice, but it depends on how you think he may react. Some of the investigations go into such detail that they really showcase how that industry has a culture of learning from it's mistakes, and how it drives to be safer all the time.

That's why I suggested the many plane tracking tools out there. If you get a proper picture of the numbers of planes out there at any given time with no problems whatsoever, you will see how safe it actually is which may alleviate fears.

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I also often suggest watching these shows to nervous fliers. If nothing else, just to see the survival rate; incredible really. There's only ever the one episode which freaked me out (and I fly - small things, not the big fun ones) and it was the 744F UPS out of DXB. That was horrendous and really felt for those guys.

[estowife]

My mum had a terrible fear of flying, it got worse & worse to the point where she actually got OFF the flight to Florida after boarding...couldn't go through with it (they were villa owners & then had to sell their villas as a result)

After that she did allsorts, read allsorts, went on several courses with flights, nothing made the slightest bit of difference, she was still terrified ...Until...

She read "The easy way to enjoy flying" by Allen Carr, it has transformed her fear & she can now manage to fly with complete freedom & not too much anxiety. For the cost of a book off amazon, its worth a try, & probably don't just read it 2 years in advance & then forget about it, probably re-familiarise yourself with it just before the journey... good luck!

[stormflm595]

You said one of the problems is his claustrophobia on the plane...perhaps consider spending a bit more and booking premium economy, and if your budget stretches to it, first class. The seats and leg space are a lot roomier than economy and could help with the anxiety of enclosed spaces.

[Hombody1976]

Originally Posted by Cantcook

I'd really zone in on what the problem is.

Is claustrophobia the main culprit? How bad is his claustrophobia? Can he get in elevators?
Is it not being in control?
Scared of crashing?
Scared of something going wrong?

Etc.

Some of the airline's programmes will help with a lot of that, but if the guy is claustrophobic, he's claustrophobic. Dependant on the severity, he may find he doesn't like rides with the lap bars and over the shoulder restraints. Or does the claustrophobia mainly strike in the pretty white metal tubes?

Finding out exactly what the issue is will help get the best advice from other members and more importantly, medical and aviation professionals.

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Its the not being in control more than anything (and of course the crashing and dying). When it comes to rides lap bars are ok but over shoulder constraints when they lock in are also a no no.

[CCFCRJ]

I am an awful flyer. I've had a couple of landing in high wind where I'm honestly terrified for no logical reason at all. In turbulence I have to grip onto the seat and try and zone out and go into my own world.

I've tried reading articles from pilots which are a little helpful to understand the variance in noise, turbulence etc. In all honesty though its knowing what is at the end that gets me through. I know that I need to do it for the kids and how much enjoyment you have that I can get by!

Unfortunately most of my worst descents for turbulence have been into Florida airports. Landing always seems to coincide with the afternoon storm!

[PPM]

Originally Posted by Cantcook

I also often suggest watching these shows to nervous fliers. If nothing else, just to see the survival rate; incredible really. There's only ever the one episode which freaked me out (and I fly - small things, not the big fun ones) and it was the 744F UPS out of DXB. That was horrendous and really felt for those guys.

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Well Thorpe and Cantcook, I stand corrected. I thought visions of planes plummeting into the ground, breaking up in the air, hitting mountains at 500 mph would put somebody off rather than encourage them to go on a flight. I thought the visuals would override the commentary with a nervous person viewing.
But hey ho, you guys obviously have more experience of this so I take that onboard.

[sprocket]

Movies for him to watch before:
- Cast away
- Flight
- Alive

[Stitch & Smudge]

Originally Posted by Thorpy

Sit at the back, they don't reverse into mountains

Ask for the seat with the black box under it, because if that's the bit they look for, you want to be attached to it !

sorry, I might not be helping anymore !

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The brace position is to enable you to kiss your 🐴 goodbye . Sorry

[Cantcook]

Originally Posted by Hombody1976

Its the not being in control more than anything (and of course the crashing and dying).

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Mildly amusing really, if he was in control, you probably would crash and die.

Not being in control is very common and they'd talk about that on one of the airline courses. If that goes well, I'd also recommend a flying lesson from your local flying school.

[dx4100]

Originally Posted by Thorpy

Sit at the back, they don't reverse into mountains

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THIS IS GOLD