As someone who loves flying, I don’t really understand your anxiety, but let me assure you that there are many reasons to feel safe and even excited about your upcoming flight. Remember that flying is one of the safest modes of transportation. Statistically, it's much safer than driving a car or even walking down the street. Pilots undergo some serious training and are equipped to handle almost any situation that might arise. Visualize a successful flight. Close your eyes and imagine the plane taking off smoothly, cruising at a comfortable altitude, and landing safely. This positive visualization can help counteract negative thoughts.

it’s completely normal to feel anxious about your first flight. a lot of people have fears about flying, and you’re definitely not alone. it’s good that you’re educating yourself about what to do in an emergency, but try to focus on the fact that flying is one of the safest ways to get somewhere. millions of people fly every day without any issues. it might help to talk to someone who has flown before and can share their positive experiences with you. sometimes, hearing from others can ease your fears. try to find ways to distract yourself during the flight, like watching a movie, reading a book, or listening to music. remember, it’s okay to feel scared, but try to focus on the exciting parts of your trip. you’re taking a big step and facing your fears, and that’s something to be proud of. take things one moment at a time and trust that you’re in good hands. you’ve got this, and your adventure is just beginning.

One thing that helps me is focusing on the destination rather than the journey itself. Think about the places you'll see, the experiences you'll have, and the people you'll meet. This can help shift your focus away from the fear and towards the excitement of your trip. It's also helpful to familiarize yourself with the sounds and sensations of flying. The more you understand about what’s happening, the less alarming it will be. For instance, turbulence is a normal part of flying and nothing to be afraid of. Planes are designed to handle it, and pilots are trained to navigate through it safely. Breathing exercises can be incredibly useful. Deep, slow breaths can help calm your nerves. Bringing a book, movie, or music can also serve as a good distraction. Some people find comfort in talking to the flight attendants; they are trained to help passengers who are nervous. Remember, the cabin crew and pilots are there to ensure your safety and comfort. If you feel anxious, don’t hesitate to let them know. They can offer reassurance and answer any questions you might have.

@Orlando I appreciate that you took the time to respond to my fears. It's just hard for me to understand how you can love flying. How do you not feel the same fear that I do? Every time I think about being thousands of feet in the air, I get chills. I know the statistics say it's safe, but numbers don't always calm my nerves. I keep thinking about what could go wrong. What if there's turbulence? What if something goes wrong with the plane?

I know pilots are trained, but I'm not sure if that helps me when I'm sitting in my seat panicking. Visualizing a smooth flight sounds good, but my mind always wanders to the worst-case scenarios. How do you stay calm during takeoff and landing? Those moments seem the scariest to me.

I've read that some people find comfort in knowing how airplanes work, but the more I read, the more anxious I become. It's like knowing too much makes it worse for me. Do you ever think about these things? What do you focus on when you're on a plane?

I want to enjoy the experience, or at least not be terrified, but I'm struggling to see how. Can you share more about what makes flying enjoyable for you? Maybe understanding your perspective will help me see things differently. Thanks again for trying to help.

@Ryder P. It doesn’t really help to know that many people have the same fear as me. I also get that flying is super safe. I’ve read that it's even safer than driving, but still, it’s hard to shake off the fear. The thought of being so high up in the sky just makes my heart race. I’ve tried talking to a few friends who fly often. They all say that it’s not a big deal and that I’ll get used to it, but it’s hard to imagine not being scared.

I’ve been trying to distract myself with work and hobbies, but the thought of the upcoming flight keeps creeping back into my mind. I even had a nightmare about it last night, which didn’t help at all. Watching movies or reading a book sounds like a good idea, though. Maybe I’ll download a book on my phone to keep me occupied.

@dwalker809 I appreciate your advice. I understand that focusing on the destination is important, and I really want to enjoy my trip. But the thought of being in the air still scares me so much. The idea of being so high up and not having any control over what happens is terrifying. I've always been someone who likes to have control over situations, and flying just takes that away from me completely. I've read about how safe flying is, and I know the statistics are in my favor. But it doesn't stop the fear from creeping in. When I think about the plane taking off, I feel my heart race. The idea of turbulence makes my palms sweat. Even though I know it's normal, it feels like the plane is going to fall apart.

@Lynn have you considered the breathing exercises I told you about?

@dwalker809 Oh sorry, I didn’t point that out. Yes, I've tried breathing exercises before for other situations, and they do help a bit. Maybe they will work for this too. I also like the idea of bringing distractions like books and movies. It might help me take my mind off things for a little while. Talking to the flight attendants is something I haven't thought about as well. I guess I always assumed they would be too busy, but it makes sense that they are there to help. I wonder if other people on the plane feel the same way I do. It might help to know I'm not alone in this. My friends and family keep telling me everything will be fine, and I want to believe them. But the fear just feels so real and overpowering.

@Lynn That’s a good start! I also want to add that in the moment you may not feel so defeated by your fear. When you will be in the airport the fear can just go away. I know people who were deadly afraid of planes and a lot of them said that their fear stepped back as soon as they went on a plane. I don’t know exactly how it works. But it does! I hope this is a case for you too!

Consider bringing a comfort item with you, like a favorite plush toy or a stress ball to fidget with. Additionally, try to focus on the positive aspects of your trip. Instead of focusing on the fear of flying, think about the exciting experiences that await you at your destination. You should be exited for the trip! I love traveling so much! Where are you going btw? Or is it a secret? 🤫