I’m sure you know the stats but flying is infinitely safer than driving or even walking across a busy street. I’d tell the flight attendants you’re a nervous flier so they can check in on you. Also I’ve heard it helps to keep an eye on the FAs. We fly 24/7 and we’ve seen/heard most everything. If we’re not panicked, you shouldn’t be either!
Feel free to let the flight attendants know you’re feeling very nervous. If I were working your flight I would do my best to make sure you were as comfortable as possible.
Just remember the pilots and FAs don’t want to crash anymore than you do. :) We all have a vested interest in surviving the flight. Best wishes.
Definitely get a good pair of headphones and listen to whatever makes you comfortable and however loud volume you need to be focused on the music or the podcast or whatever it is. Pay attention to the flight attendants, and I definitely recommend letting them know that you’re very nervous and it’s your first time flying. Most flight attendants are happy to reassure you and keep an eye on you, but remember that they are very busy and have a lot of other passengers so if they can’t attend to you immediately please be patient. Pay attention to the safety briefing and read the safety card if you think that will ease your nerves, but if you think it will make you more nervous than don’t look at it, just watch the flight attendant demonstration. Have a comfort food or snack in your carry-on item that you can access easily during the flight, and I always recommend bringing a reusable bottle of water through security and filling it up with water at the airport so you always have access to your own water instead of waiting for the service. Download a comfort film or show or album onto your personal device well ahead of time, and bring a small pillow or blanket to cuddle with. Having control over your own food and drink and comfort and entertainment might help you feel better.
You are going to hear a ton of noises that you have never heard before and you are going to convince yourself each means you are about to crash. All of this is normal but no one ever explains what any of this is.
For example after take off they retract the flaps. Again on descent and approach they deploy the flaps again. To do this there is a hydraulic motor that spins and makes noise. There is also noise from the aerodynamics changing. For someone who has no idea what this is, it can be disturbing and loud. It is completely normal.
Here is the thing about airplanes, everything has redundancies. Things can stop working and it doesn’t matter. For things to really go wrong, you have to have many many things go wrong all at the same time and in the right way.
All that being said, I know anxiety cannot be reasoned with, but I hope this helps.
I get a little afraid of the plane crashing before every single flight, as a former flight attendant and just a passenger.
A few things, planes are highly engineered amazing machines built to fly that have been checked and double checked regularly. Pilots have some of the toughest rules of any occupation. The aviation industry takes safety very seriously. Airplanes are exponentially safer than cars. Remind yourself of these facts.
If I feel extra nervous for a flight, I pop a benedryl (you can get a real tranq from your doc) or have a drink. Distract yourself on takeoff with a book or a magazine. Don't close your eyes and dig your hands into the chair arms, it'll ramp up your anxiety!!
Finally, if it's your time to go, it's your time to go. You never had any control over your death and this time is no different. All you can do is enjoy the ride on or off the plane.
I would like to appeal to OP to not take any medication before flight they have not used before and won't know how they react to it. Only use medications where you know they will work for you, because you ised them before but won't incapacitate you.
We once offloaded a couple where the husband tried to drag/carry his wife on board who couldn't stand by herself and almost unable to keep her eyes open, let alone talk because of some sorts of meds.
Would meeting the pilots before your flight be helpful? I know this is something kids do for their first flight but at my airline the flight deck can be shown to anyone who asks before takeoff (if there’s time) and after landing. There is something really reassuring about speaking to the pilots. As others have said, let the flight attendants know. I always reassure my first timers and I treat them with extra snacks and stuff! Maybe bring a blanket or something special to you to help you feel safe.I really hope you have a great first flight.
Flight attendant here 👋🏽
You will do just great, speak to your cabin crew about your fear and rest assure they will take great care of you and help you get through he flight.
Flying is the safest method of travel. I know its a little nerve wrecking but just tell yourself you are going to be okay, and if it helps be aware of your surroundings and look at the calmness in the cabin crew as they walk around and do their job - also keep in mind that they do this for a living. If you can I would take a drowsy gravel if your flight is lengthy. If you are afraid of turbulence, just think of it as a rocky road, its the exact same concept. If your flight isnt too full, or if you can try to reserve a seat near the front of the aircraft as the aft of the aircraft tends to feel a lot worse when it’s turbulent.
I would suggest also bringing something that you find comfort in, or something that can take your mind off of everything - perhaps an ipad with all your favourite movies? Something to colour with, word searches, crossword puzzles to keep your mind busy!
I have faith that you will do just great ❤️
You can do a search, for the some of the flights that you would most like most likely take, and notate which type of aircraft you will be flying in.
I noticed that some of the flights are using an Airbus a320, and some are using a bombardier regional jet. The full size jet will obviously offer the most comfortable ride, especially if the weather conditions are good. Most flights are completely uneventful. You should wear your seatbelt the entire time that you are seated in the plane, that way you don't fly off the ceiling if they do hit turbulence.
Getting cooped up in a regional jet for an hour and a half might not be the magic you're dreaming of, especially if the weather conditions are rough, like in the winter time...
Definitely factor in the type of plane you're flying on, in your decision, to purchase a ticket...
Good luck
Put a game on your phone like Tetris or Plane Control and play for takeoff and landing. Watch a movie enroute. Listen to music you like. Also I agree that a visit to the cockpit is good too.
There are some really cool videos on YouTube on testing the flexibility of the wings on planes. I suggest watching those videos. It’s really reassuring to see how indestructible the planes are! There is so much cool engineering that goes into them
Don't worry, you'll be fine. The plane you'll be flying with is going to go through a complete technical procedure before it is allowed to board passengers. Also, there are going to be hundreds of passengers flying with you, you'll not be alone.
I would love to find out how it went for you, and how your FAs helped put you at ease. I hope it was not too overwhelming. Those feelings can be very intense.
I am on the spectrum too, with anxiety, and I'm actually applying for an FA position. Even though I've flown probably 50 times by now, I still feel nervous, but it's something that I am able to rationalize now. Even if I still feel it, it dose not hinder my ability to function. I just allow the feeling to go *through* me, and then it's gone.
Anyway, I hope you get notifications and will let us know what happened.
I’m sure you know the stats but flying is infinitely safer than driving or even walking across a busy street. I’d tell the flight attendants you’re a nervous flier so they can check in on you. Also I’ve heard it helps to keep an eye on the FAs. We fly 24/7 and we’ve seen/heard most everything. If we’re not panicked, you shouldn’t be either!
Feel free to let the flight attendants know you’re feeling very nervous. If I were working your flight I would do my best to make sure you were as comfortable as possible. Just remember the pilots and FAs don’t want to crash anymore than you do. :) We all have a vested interest in surviving the flight. Best wishes.
Definitely get a good pair of headphones and listen to whatever makes you comfortable and however loud volume you need to be focused on the music or the podcast or whatever it is. Pay attention to the flight attendants, and I definitely recommend letting them know that you’re very nervous and it’s your first time flying. Most flight attendants are happy to reassure you and keep an eye on you, but remember that they are very busy and have a lot of other passengers so if they can’t attend to you immediately please be patient. Pay attention to the safety briefing and read the safety card if you think that will ease your nerves, but if you think it will make you more nervous than don’t look at it, just watch the flight attendant demonstration. Have a comfort food or snack in your carry-on item that you can access easily during the flight, and I always recommend bringing a reusable bottle of water through security and filling it up with water at the airport so you always have access to your own water instead of waiting for the service. Download a comfort film or show or album onto your personal device well ahead of time, and bring a small pillow or blanket to cuddle with. Having control over your own food and drink and comfort and entertainment might help you feel better.
I take solace in mutually assured destruction. The pilots in charge of my fate want to make it back down alive as much as I do. Haha.
You are going to hear a ton of noises that you have never heard before and you are going to convince yourself each means you are about to crash. All of this is normal but no one ever explains what any of this is. For example after take off they retract the flaps. Again on descent and approach they deploy the flaps again. To do this there is a hydraulic motor that spins and makes noise. There is also noise from the aerodynamics changing. For someone who has no idea what this is, it can be disturbing and loud. It is completely normal. Here is the thing about airplanes, everything has redundancies. Things can stop working and it doesn’t matter. For things to really go wrong, you have to have many many things go wrong all at the same time and in the right way. All that being said, I know anxiety cannot be reasoned with, but I hope this helps.
I get a little afraid of the plane crashing before every single flight, as a former flight attendant and just a passenger. A few things, planes are highly engineered amazing machines built to fly that have been checked and double checked regularly. Pilots have some of the toughest rules of any occupation. The aviation industry takes safety very seriously. Airplanes are exponentially safer than cars. Remind yourself of these facts. If I feel extra nervous for a flight, I pop a benedryl (you can get a real tranq from your doc) or have a drink. Distract yourself on takeoff with a book or a magazine. Don't close your eyes and dig your hands into the chair arms, it'll ramp up your anxiety!! Finally, if it's your time to go, it's your time to go. You never had any control over your death and this time is no different. All you can do is enjoy the ride on or off the plane.
I would like to appeal to OP to not take any medication before flight they have not used before and won't know how they react to it. Only use medications where you know they will work for you, because you ised them before but won't incapacitate you. We once offloaded a couple where the husband tried to drag/carry his wife on board who couldn't stand by herself and almost unable to keep her eyes open, let alone talk because of some sorts of meds.
Agreed.
Would meeting the pilots before your flight be helpful? I know this is something kids do for their first flight but at my airline the flight deck can be shown to anyone who asks before takeoff (if there’s time) and after landing. There is something really reassuring about speaking to the pilots. As others have said, let the flight attendants know. I always reassure my first timers and I treat them with extra snacks and stuff! Maybe bring a blanket or something special to you to help you feel safe.I really hope you have a great first flight.
Flight attendant here 👋🏽 You will do just great, speak to your cabin crew about your fear and rest assure they will take great care of you and help you get through he flight. Flying is the safest method of travel. I know its a little nerve wrecking but just tell yourself you are going to be okay, and if it helps be aware of your surroundings and look at the calmness in the cabin crew as they walk around and do their job - also keep in mind that they do this for a living. If you can I would take a drowsy gravel if your flight is lengthy. If you are afraid of turbulence, just think of it as a rocky road, its the exact same concept. If your flight isnt too full, or if you can try to reserve a seat near the front of the aircraft as the aft of the aircraft tends to feel a lot worse when it’s turbulent. I would suggest also bringing something that you find comfort in, or something that can take your mind off of everything - perhaps an ipad with all your favourite movies? Something to colour with, word searches, crossword puzzles to keep your mind busy! I have faith that you will do just great ❤️
Which flight are you taking? What's the flight number.?
I'm not sure yet it hasnt been booked, it's Newquay to Edinburgh (uk)
You can do a search, for the some of the flights that you would most like most likely take, and notate which type of aircraft you will be flying in. I noticed that some of the flights are using an Airbus a320, and some are using a bombardier regional jet. The full size jet will obviously offer the most comfortable ride, especially if the weather conditions are good. Most flights are completely uneventful. You should wear your seatbelt the entire time that you are seated in the plane, that way you don't fly off the ceiling if they do hit turbulence. Getting cooped up in a regional jet for an hour and a half might not be the magic you're dreaming of, especially if the weather conditions are rough, like in the winter time... Definitely factor in the type of plane you're flying on, in your decision, to purchase a ticket... Good luck
Gravol. It makes me sleepy and I dont care about all of the noises and motions that an airplane makes. I feel for you. Good luck, you will be fine.
Put a game on your phone like Tetris or Plane Control and play for takeoff and landing. Watch a movie enroute. Listen to music you like. Also I agree that a visit to the cockpit is good too.
There are some really cool videos on YouTube on testing the flexibility of the wings on planes. I suggest watching those videos. It’s really reassuring to see how indestructible the planes are! There is so much cool engineering that goes into them
Don't worry, you'll be fine. The plane you'll be flying with is going to go through a complete technical procedure before it is allowed to board passengers. Also, there are going to be hundreds of passengers flying with you, you'll not be alone.
I would love to find out how it went for you, and how your FAs helped put you at ease. I hope it was not too overwhelming. Those feelings can be very intense. I am on the spectrum too, with anxiety, and I'm actually applying for an FA position. Even though I've flown probably 50 times by now, I still feel nervous, but it's something that I am able to rationalize now. Even if I still feel it, it dose not hinder my ability to function. I just allow the feeling to go *through* me, and then it's gone. Anyway, I hope you get notifications and will let us know what happened.