Scared of a long flight
 

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!

It's not turbulences that you are "up against", as you write. Yes, there willl probably be turbulences, but most flights have turbulences at some point of time during the trip, particularly long-haul flights. Neverthess 3 billion passengers fly per year and the very vast majority have no issues with these turbulences. As turbulences are common in air traffic, planes are designed to get along with them. So turbulences are not your enemy.
What you are really up against is your fears.

These fears are clearly irrational given the general safety record of standard "mainline airlines". And yet, it can be difficult for some people to overcome them. Many airlines offer psychlogical training courses for people with "flightophobia". Maybe a book on the topic can help you, too, depending on how open your fears are to arguments.

Scared of a long flight
 

If you are going to Argentina from EU then you won't be flying across North Atlantic. You will take the southern route. Which airline you are flying on?

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?

Is this your first time flying or have you been before? If the latter, did you have any particular things that happened on earlier flights that were especially bothersome?

Hey guys,

Thank you all for answering. I have flew many times, but usually only inside of Europe. The company I am flying with is air Europe, I believe this is a company from Spain.

Thank you for all the tips, but I have tried many of these options and every time the plane starts to shake I get this really uncomfortable feeling and it makes me scared. Turbulence is ok. Not too much is fine, but once it starts to really shake I get in panic.

Even though I fly every year (during the summer) I hate it. A couple of years ago we had to make an emergency stop, which scared the hell out of everyone, including me. But before this emergency stop I also had a fear of flying.

I kinda refuse to take any medication or alcohol, just because I'm scared it can make it even worse for me...

Edit: no, I can't really make a stop somewhere else, because I am meeting some people in Argentina. I'm traveling alone, so that's making it worse too.

Scared of a long flight
 

If you are flying Air Europa from MAD then you will hug Africa west coast, and do the Atlantic crossing not far from Cape Verde. The ride should be better than up north :)

Yeah Madrid to buenos aires. I have heard many stories that that's a bumpy ride, especially during the winter.

Just watch this to get an idea ;)

My spousal unit feels much as you do. He was never the world's greatest flyer, but then about five years ago we had an emergency landing (that turned out to be nothing), and ever since then, he really does not like to fly. Me, OTOH, I really enjoy flying.

Here's what I have noticed helps him:

Window seat. Looking out the window seems to soothe him like nothing else does. He takes pictures of the view, and that keeps him entertained.

Good IFE. Most airlines today have a decent to good selection of television shows and movies. That can keep your mind off your troubles for a lot of hours. If your airline is deficient here, load your iPad (or equivalent) with movies, television shows, music, books, and magazines. In fact, just load up on this stuff to your liking and you will have a much more enjoyable flight and trip. There's nothing worse than being abroad and finding yourself alone in a hotel late at night, with nothing to read and nothing on television but late-night shows with which you have no familiarity. I like taking books that have something to do with my trip (The Blindness of the Heart for Berlin, Borges's short story collections for Buenos Aires, and so on). That way, if I am reading on the plane, or during the trip, I can sort of imagine the place I am visiting in someone else's mind.

Get a look at the seat map and figure out where you will be sitting, what the configuration is, where lavs are, etc. Knowing this information in advance can make you feel a little more in control of your environment.

Take any small food item that makes you feel comfortable with you: a candy bar, a particular type of tea or herbal infusion, a small box of chocolates. Just remember, keep it small, and no liquids until after security.

Turbulence is normal in flight (just like hitting the occasional pothole while driving is normal). You'll be fine!

True.

Advising people to be rude and argue with the cabin crew is not good advice. People are trying to sleep. Your advice causes a bad flight for one person to become a bad flight for 20 people. Don't punish other people because of your phobias. Close your blinds so it is dark.

Some thoughts...

You mentioned worrying that medication might make it worse, but why not talk with your physician about it? They are in the best position to advise on what would work best for you, any side effects, and such...more so than any of us here. There may be something that can help you but you won't know if you don't ask a medical professional about it.

It may also be worth seeking some psychological help to deal with your fear of flying...especially with a longer trip coming up and the fact that you seem to fly with some regularity annually. There are counseling methods available to help with any number of phobias and fears including of flying.