[MerlinMatt]

Ok DCer's, it's time for us to buck up and support a fellow DCer.

As many of you know, EmpressJenny and DH (Pete) are headed to WDW soon to celebrate their first anniversary. While Jenny hates to fly, they're taking a short trip, so flying makes the most of the vacation.

For all of you flight-phobic folks and for any frequent flyers who may have some perspective, please post your flying tips here.

[To be clear, this post isn't for Jenny only. Anyone is allowed to use the advice given here. ]

Pointer #1: Fly medicated, but sober. Anxiety meds (Xanax, Atavan, etc) are very effective at quieting nerves. But NEVER combine them with alcohol. Alcohol can not only reduce the effectiveness of the medication, but will also tend to dehydrate, which is bad on a plane. (see #2) Moreover, it will make you more loopy and will likely result in a pretty decent hangover.

Pointer #2: Stay hydrated. This actually has two benefits. First of all, airline cabins tend to be dry (This is a good thing as it tends to limit the growth of mold and bacteria). Keeping hydrated allows your body to function properly and allows for easier in-flight adjustment of sinus pressure (during takeoff and landing).

Pointer #2a: By drinking extra fluids, you'll likely need to use the facilities at least once during a flight over 90 minutes. This is a good thing. Staying seated in any vehicle for over 90 minutes, especially for anyone with hypertension or other cardiac issues, is a bad thing. The airlines now openly warn passengers about DVT. Look it up on the net for more info.

Pointer #3: Be informed. One of the most scientifically effective methods of fighting certain situational phobias is to be aware of the actual versus the perceived risks. Based on historical data, if you fly once a day, every day for the rest of your life, you're still more likely to be killed by tripping on your stairs at home. IOW, flying a commercial aircraft is extraordinarily safe.

Jenny: good luck and have a great time. Happy Anniversary!

[Dana]

I have one flying tip and it's pretty basic. Stop at the bar before you check-in and down a double CAptain on the rocks...works for me.....if I'm really worked up, I take a second one. I do not even come close to being drunk, but for some reason the alcohol relaxes me enough to not be a wreck on the plane. I have tried many other things and this works the best, so I am sticking to it. I honestly don't want to be informed or know any of the technical things...makes me more nervous to tell you the truth. I just want to get a nice buzz and "pretend" to read my novel so my DD doens't know I'm a wreck inside. Maybe not the best tip for everyone, but it works for me. If you see a lady in the airport bar at 4:30am on 1/21...it's me!

[Princess D]

My relaxzation method is to bring some fun and interesting thumb thru reading materials.(It is rare that I am able to actually read a whole article). Disney books are a great idea, I can focus on the fun times I will be having when I am OFF the plane.I am not super phobic, just a little jittery. MerlinMatt, I will definately take your advise about the hydration, most likely with water. :-) Thanks for the tips!!

[MerlinMatt]

Interesting trivia:

Did you know that well over half of all airline passengers experience some type of anxiety while flying?

You're not alone.

BTW, for anyone that DOES take Dana's advice, the hydration part applies double. Either have a mixed drink, or be sure to have water or fruit juice on the plane.

[Disneywife]

I agree with pointer #1 particularly, especially since she won't be flying with children (and therefore doesn't have to be responsible for any) and it's a short trip. I vote to medicate and sleep, and let her dh drive when she gets there.

For me, I have a cross-country flight (5 hours) and two kids, and a dh who will probably zone out...I need a nanny so I can take the advice for Jenny above.

[llama]

Originally Posted by Dana

I have one flying tip and it's pretty basic. Stop at the bar before you check-in and down a double CAptain on the rocks...works for me.....if I'm really worked up, I take a second one. I do not even come close to being drunk, but for some reason the alcohol relaxes me enough to not be a wreck on the plane. I have tried many other things and this works the best, so I am sticking to it. I honestly don't want to be informed or know any of the technical things...makes me more nervous to tell you the truth. I just want to get a nice buzz and "pretend" to read my novel so my DD doens't know I'm a wreck inside. Maybe not the best tip for everyone, but it works for me. If you see a lady in the airport bar at 4:30am on 1/21...it's me!

Whatever works for you, Dana! I always bring along the weekend "Crossword" - the one that's a little more challenging, than the daily newspaper crossword. I just keep trying to concentrate on that and not think of the trip. The one thing I absolutely HATE is when that little cabin bell goes off. (I always figure that the pilots are telling the attendants we're in trouble). I told this to my friend who's an attendant and she laughed and said, no, it's usually cause they want coffee. So I always keep that in mind.

[Towncar T]

Flying tip?

Here's a good one.

Always sit at the back of the plane. You never hear of a 747 reversing into a mountain, do you?

[JD Dis]

I like the double Cap'n idea!!! My best advice is to do whatever makes you comfortable when you're not on a plane. Whether it be reading, listening to music, playing gameboy, etc. - something that you enjoy that you can use to concentrate on other than the flight.

Also, dress comfortably so that you aren't adding physical discomfort to your already fragile emotional state. I don't have any problems with flying, but on those flights where I am stuck wearing a suit, I find that I'm that much more on edge from just my clothing. Take your shoes off during the flight.... That helps as much as anything - as long as your feet are clean!!!!

[Dana]

Originally Posted by MerlinMatt

Interesting trivia:


BTW, for anyone that DOES take Dana's advice, the hydration part applies double. Either have a mixed drink, or be sure to have water or fruit juice on the plane.

Great suggestion Matt. I am a major wateraholic, so I didn't think to include how important it was. I always assume everyone drinks gallons a day like me..lol

[llama]

Originally Posted by Towncar T

Flying tip?

Here's a good one.

Always sit at the back of the plane. You never hear of a 747 reversing into a mountain, do you?

And that's why I'm glad you're back, Tom!

[bethishooked]

My problem isn't getting my DH on the plane, because he is so excited about getting to Disney. It's putting up with him being crabby the rest of the trip, because of his nervousness knowing we have to get back on the plane to get home. I can't keep alcohol in him the whole week! We'll be driving our next trip in January.

[Disneywife]

Originally Posted by Towncar T

Flying tip?

Here's a good one.

Always sit at the back of the plane. You never hear of a 747 reversing into a mountain, do you?

Yes, but those at the back of the plane will see it coming...I'd rather not see it coming!!

ETA, you know, this probably wasn't the tangent that this thread should go in... LOL

[ShipGirl04]

Originally Posted by Princess D

My relaxzation method is to bring some fun and interesting thumb thru reading materials.(It is rare that I am able to actually read a whole article). Disney books are a great idea, I can focus on the fun times I will be having when I am OFF the plane.I am not super phobic, just a little jittery. MerlinMatt, I will definately take your advise about the hydration, most likely with water. :-) Thanks for the tips!!

SO TRUE!!! I always bring books or magazines about Disney. Sometimes though I'll get a trashy magazine like US Weekly or Star Magazine. Just catching up on the celebrity gossip keeps me occupied for the flight! The time just seems to fly by...no pun intended!

[pkc123]

From our place it's only a 2 hour flight so I just listen to my walkman or read.
Bring some chewing gum for the altitude changes and a bottle of water for a dry mouth.

[TinksFriend]

This trip DH has a mini DVD player that has double headphones...he'll pop in a movie and we'll just relax for the 2 hour trip..this will also drown out the bells and anything else that may annoy us. Neither of us are big fans of flying.