I am getting much better, but about 10 years ago I developed a strong fear of flying that seemed to develop out of nowhere. About 2 years ago I flew to Fiji and just after removing the walkway at Melbourne Airport, the plane seemed to conk out. The engines were re-started but the same thing kept happening. I swear my mouth went dry and my stomach plunged into what little room was left between me and the seat in front.

Next thing there was an announcement saying there was an 'electrical' problem. After an hour of strange noises coming out of here, there and everywhere there was another announcement asking if there was a doctor onboard to please make themselves known to cabin staff.

In my fear-driven mind, this was becoming the experience from hell and my panic just intensified. One and a half hours later with me trying to escape to confines of the cabin with dear husband hanging on to stop me, the engines started and this time stayed on.

So the question would one ask to get off if the plane had problems? Well for me I wasn't going to ask. I was just going to go. That is if I could have managed to scramble over and get past my husband sitting next to me who could see his long awaited and relaxing holiday in Taveuni disappear before his eyes...lol. I'm so glad he stopped me because I had a ball and the fear seems to have dissipated.