I used to be terrified of flying. The mere notion of such a heavy aircraft flying through the air and a person in the cockpit entrusted with all those lives made me really nervous. Understanding some physics (how to stall a plane), I used to freak out when they break in the air before getting ready to land.

Well surprise, these days I am as calm as it gets and if it weren't for noisy children I'd sleep even before takeoff.

So what changed? I think it has something to do with my state of mind. I simply accept now, that these things are out of my hands and that there is simply nothing I can do about it. When the plane moves I trust the operator and I made my peace with the situation.

This sounds more dramatic than it is. I don't mean to say I made piece with the notion of dying in a plane crash, but this notion doesn't even come to me anymore. I think I have learned to give up some control over what happens to me. I am used to being 100% in control (or at least the illusion of that) and that aggrevated the situation. I used to be nervous on the passenger seat of someones car too, just because I wouldn't trust the driver.

As for tips, I would say try to stay as calm as possible. If it helps to have a drink, why not. But know this, the airline can deny you your flight if you appear drunk or too aggrevated. 

I would say get some soothing music and try not to think about where you are. Maybe watch a movie or read something and try to completely forget you are on a plane. Get used to the fact that someone else is in control and not you. Maybe you can let your wife drive and be the passenger (and try not to tell her how). Or you can close your eyes and ask your hubby to catch your fall. Just learn to trust people. Its the best advice I can give.

Andre

Travel Photos

the only problem i use to have is when the plane starts to take of i feel sick then and it is very scary after that i am fine. there is always lots of movies to watch on the flight and a good book will help you to forget that you are actually flying.

I always travel with my ipod. I was always afraid of flying to the extent I used to hyperventerlate. Now days I just sit back with some relaxing music till we have taken off. I still get very nervous but I think I just talk myself out of it most times. Trying to think of the great holiday we are going to have when we arrive helps.

After 9/11, who wouldn't be afraid to fly. Before then, most people had the trust to let someone else be in control like Andre was talking about. But the events of that day destroyed the trust for a whole lot of people. A picture of not one, but two jets hitting the world trade center will forever be embedded in my mind. My trust issues may never be back to what they were before then. I don't think there is an easy way to get over the fear of flying. I guess you just have to make yourself get on that plane not matter how afraid you are, and just do it. Of course, theres always hypnosis.... does anyone know if that really works?