Originally Posted by
Curver
Hi,
In december i have a flight from Europe to Argentina. The plane is an airbus industrie A330-200 (if that matters). It's approximately a 13 hour flight. The problem is that I'm really scared of flying.. I heard that there is a lot of turbulence during the winter crossing the north atlantic. Could anyone tell me something about it? Is it more heavy then during the summer?
Please, be completely honest with me. I want to know what I'm up against!
Thanks!
Though
cityflyer369 is right, his advice won't be of much help
Thus, advice from someone who used to have same problems as you and used to fly about 10 long-hauls per year:
- try to sit as much in front as possible. When plane shakes during the turbulence, you can feel it less and less as you progress towards the nose. Unless you absolutely have to, do not take a seat behind the wing!
- take a window seat. Looking out of the window can help overcome fear. People will tell you to close the window shades and you tell them nicely and politely to [
edited by Moderator]. If the cabin crew comes over to force you to shut the blinds, explain them what's going on. I normally close the window shades by about three quarters, but keep a bit open so I can peek out anytime.
- how does your body react to alcohol? if it energizes you (eg gives an 'extra kick' at a party), avoid like a plague for a few days before the trip. If it makes you drowsy, have a drink at the airport and then some on the plane. For me, red wine works miracles!
- Do you normally have troubles falling asleep on the plane? Try not falling asleep before your tray table is cleared.
- breath deeply
- take a cotton cloth (handkerchief?), in case your palms get too sweaty due to nervousness.
- do you have something that can surely put you to sleep? if yes, take it. For many people (incl me), audiobooks are the fastest way to fall asleep!
I am not sure if that's still an option, but you can also think about breaking your trip into two. Flying via the US may be an option. And if you can, pick an airline you trust. Many people don't trust some airlines for psychological reasons - your superstition may be baseless, but what's the point of forcing it?