Nervous Flyer Seeks Flight Friend

Are you based somewhere close to DC by any chance? While I cannot offer a direct response to your question, I warmly welcome you to our future travel meet up on March 19th. I hope that a few of us gathered there can assuage your fears and offer reassurance, as I suspect this may stem from (hopefully) just a fear of the unknown/unfamiliar when it comes to flying. I think unfortunately it may be a bit difficult to line up a person to fly with you at exactly the same timeframe you are traveling, and even to secure a seat right next to you when buying two separate tickets. So that is why I hope you can come on by and chat with us on the 19th. Or please feel free to PM me. Another alternative may be to talk with a doctor about some anxiety relief measures that may or may not include medication. Perhaps even simple breathing/meditation techniques may help (I apologize if I am out of line here - I am definitely not a professional in this regard, so I don't know what's best).

Here is the info for our next travel meeting:
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/travel-meetings/new-revised-date-for-march-dc-meetup-sunday-march-19

Thanks Agnes. I live in NC and am currently working with a professional on overcoming flight fears. But thanks for your offer and thoughts! And I know it's a longshot but it'd be nice to at least know someone on the flight. :)

My sister is also afraid of flying. Her medication - flask of whisky - and it's helping her.

I'm very afraid of flying. Valium is very helpful and is commonly prescribed for fear of flying. I wish I could go with you!

You chose the right airline! Virgin Atlantic is the friendliest airline. Be sure to tell the flight attendants you are nervous and they will help you have a most enjoyable flight.

WOW Airline was great in that regard too. Flight attendants helped me a lot on a recent trip to Paris.

I don't know if it will help, but international flights are much bigger planes than the ones used just in the US. I get nervous too, but these big planes make me feel much safer, less turbulence, feels like you are in building instead of plane....for what it is worth! And the flight attendants on Virgin will continue to come by with food, drink, snacks, etc so there are distractions.

Thanks for everyone's feedback and suggestions. Very helpful!

Unfortunate really, I am flying to London May 24th

Hello,

I know that the OP has already flown; I hope with their fear alleviated. Hopefully this post will help future flyers.

Anyway, my wife was deathly afraid of flying. She reacts very well with a small dose of Xanax prescribed by her doctor specifically for getting over anxiety of flying. It has worked miraculously well for her on over a half dozen flights as well as the subways of NYC.

riverrunner, How did it go?

I agree that Xanax is also very helpful.