flying on a plane ( I need advice)

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this isnt my first time on a plane but i remeber last time i didnt do so well.

but does anyone know of any techniches that will calm me down

and keep me from getting overstimulated?

its going to be a 4 1/2 hour flight from New York to Colorado

I do deep-breathing exercises, where I count my breaths, during take-off, landing, and any turbulence (the parts I hate). Otherwise I just try to keep myself distracted by either reading a book, writing something, or listening to music, anything that doesn't remind me I'm on a plane (which is why I generally don't watch the movies they play on long flights). However, I do find it relaxing to look out the window from time to time, especially at night when all the towns are lit up.

I hope that helps.

Go to the airport bar and drink enough booze so that you're mellow?

See if a doctor will prescribe you a sedative?

When the plane lands and they turn off life support and everyone crowds together in the aisle, that's when I am in danger of panicking. Now I worm my way backwards through that unmoving line of people until I'm with the flight attendants. They open up a hatch where they throw garbage bags out. It's comforting to see and breath the outside. The flight attendants have always been sympathetic and don't mind me staying with them.

Try chewing some gum, preferably mint-flavored. It does the trick for me; prevents ear-popping during take-off and landing, and reduces air sickness.

I sit by a window so I can look out. Read a good book. Wear earplugs... the noise of the engines wears me out.

Benadryl makes a nice, easy-to-obtain sedative. Just takes a little edge off.

Wear soft clothes if you can, sit in front of the engines (quieter), and just stay in your seat til it's not bump and shove to get off.

And if you can, allow yourself some down time on the other end to recover... a room to yourself so you can do what ever you need to re-order your brain... nap, stim, whatever.

Have a good trip!

I salute you fellow aspie but flying is something I cannot do just because statistics and closed in spaces

1) It's a big bus, the only difference is that someone decided to fit wings as well.

2) If you don't mind heights then get a window seat. I like watching the clouds.

3) Mention when you book in that you're not too keen on flying. They might have a word with the cabin staff so that someone can keep an eye on you.

4) No alcohol but soft drinks are ok. Alcohol is a mood enhancer so if you feel nervous and wound up before a few drinks then things will be even worse after the booze hits your bloodstream.

5) If you can't get a window seat then concentrate on your MP3 player or the movie.

Enjoy your flight!!

Vanilla Slice

Odds of drowning in your own bath tub, getting hit by lightning, getting your skull opened by a falling coconut, attacked by animals.... those odds are all better than the odds of dying in an airline crash.

You have better odds of winning lotto.

You have better odds of witnessing a catastrophic meteor impact in your lifetime than die in an airline crash.

Finally, driving is a thousand times more likely to kill you than flying.

Remember that next time you fly, and don't give in to irrational fears!

/pilot

stim in the bathrooms.

You're getting some BAD advice.


1. DON'T get drunk! (You WANJT to keep your wits!)
2. DON'T depend on anyone's kindness!(Most WON'T be!)
3. Get an aisle seat.(YOU want control)
4. Leave EARLY, if possible!(YOU want control)

I flew to Colorado from New York State last August, 2008 to attend the Democratic National Convention. I was a little anxious, too...but, there is nothing to worry about. You speak the English language, don't you? If you get lost or confused about anything, like locating your gate or how to find the airport shuttle to reach a gate, just ask the person at the Information Desk in the airport or ask an airport security guard. Airport terminal employees are there to help you and they are everywhere...

Once you arrive in Denver, you will find it is a HUGE airport...still, do not panic! You will arrive in one of three concourses...either A, B or C. Find a security guard to direct you to the escalators which take you down to the train. Once on the train, kind of like a small subway, the train will take you to
the main terminal where air travelers go to be picked up by family, friends or whomever. The train will automatically stop at the main airport terminal...and since everyone will be getting off the train with you in the main terminal, just follow the crowd.

If you have any specific worries or concerns about flying from New York State to Colorado, send me a PM. I traveled from Syracuse, N.Y to Boston,
Massachusetts where I had to get my connecting flight to Denver, CO.

Don't look at traveling as something to fear, think of it as an exciting challenge. You will do just fine!

I haven't read the other replies yet, but heres' my two cents worth.

* I like to get a window seat because I hate people getting in and out. I use the bathroom before I board so when I'm in my seat, I'm in. Then I can lean against the window and away from the person sitting next to me.

* I bring an iPod. I plug in and then I don't have to make conversation and I can look out the window.

* Bring something to keep you busy (a book, magazines, project to work on). Keeps my mind busy and it helps pass the time.

* Wear really comfortable clothing. It makes it feel less confining.

* I like to leave the plane last. Everyone is so quick to jump up and get their stuff and it gets really packed, really fast. I find it much easier to just sit in my seat until everyone clears and then I can gather my bags and leave without being smooshed and jostled around by people and their baggage.

Have a good flight.

Ravenclawgurl, as for remaining calm and not being overstimulated, it helps to properly prepare for your flight. I would not recommend drinking to calm down. But you may want to avoid caffeine. If possible, make a trip to the airport in advance to familiarize yourself with your airline's location and their check-in procedure.

I used to be terrified of flying. What I would do is sort of hypnotize myself that I wasn't in a plane up in the air, but rather lying on the grass in my backyard watching a plane in the sky. Then the jig was up when the plane landed, which was a rude awakening to reality. I liked looking out the window though.

Now I love flying and travel extremely light. Mostly I only travel with carry-on bags. If you check any bags, put your name-address-phone inside each one. I once traveled with a small duffel bag that was checked in. It was bright purple and easy to spot on the circulating belt where you claim your luggage.

There used to be strange fluids laws, that required you to put fluids in 3 oz containers in a quart ziplock baggie. I don't think they apply any more. But check to see if there are some new and strange regulations which you need to comply with. [Edit: Those fluid laws still apply.]

Be sure you have acceptable ID and enough ID. At some point [not necessarily right now]--it's a good idea to get a passport if you don't have one, even for domestic flights as it is always acceptable ID and sometimes required when you wouldn't think it was necessary.

Arrive at the airport no later than what they suggest and it's a good idea to allow 30-60 minutes more. Just doing that--allowing extra time--enabled me to relax a lot more.

If you are likely to be sick, try to have with you 3 or 4 possible remedies. And perhaps don't eat anything within a few hours of flying? Also, tell the flight attendants when boarding so they can help you deal, if it happens.

There are advantages to window seats and aisle seats, but there are no advantages to being in the middle seat. Most people prefer the window. But if you think you may have to get out of your seat a lot, then aisle would be best.

[Layovers are sometimes tricky. If you have a layover, as opposed to a direct flight, be sure you've allowed enough time for the connection. When disembarking, you can ask the flight attendants if they know what gate your next flight will be departing from.]

You will have to go through security and all that takes time, but if you have allowed extra, you will be fine. So you're through security and you have 45 minutes to wait for your plane to board. That's when you visit the restroom, check out the magazines and books, and perhaps purchase a bottle of water. Take your carry-on bags with you. Make sure your boarding pass and ID are easy to get to. After you arrive--someone provided excellent information about the Denver airport.

I know people who refuse to fly. But when you're properly prepared, it can really be fun.

.

In a month's time, I've got a flight from Perth Airport, to Singapore and then to London and I can't say I enjoy flying either

What's important to remember is that it will eventually be over. All there is to it is keeping yourself occupied.

Good luck