Hi Shell, I was only prescribed 2mg's by the doctor so I took 2 before the flight and on top of that alcohol as well and even then I'm still as nervous as hell. I think 16 mg's would knock me out but I'm guessing by what you have said your partner is absolutely terrified and that still isn't enough for him. Has he tried joining one of the internet sites for fear of flying? There's a good one I go on and the guy who runs it is a pilot. It also helped me that he gave me his telephone number so I could ring him on the flight if I got really scared. I didn't call him but just having it gave me piece of mind. I will post a link of his website if that's allowed otherwise I'll pm you.

Perhaps best that you forward details by PM, as whenever one website is mentioned in this topic we immediately have an influx of retired pilots all wanting to promote their rival websites and courses.

David

Thanks David I have just privately messaged her.

Sorry I've only just seen your posts Mdollar, this is really helpful thankyou, I'll check out that site and hopefully get him on the course they offer.

Thankyou

We Went On A Flight From Newcastle To Izmir On 10th July Last Year And it was smooth all the way untill we would hit the odd bump over the alps and as we began to decent the wings would woble but we'd get no effect what so ever but as it's mountainious you go really low to ground and back up again but on the final decent it get's quite bumpy and once the wheel's came down the plane went into an airpocket and everyone give a scream and the wings wobled again and we would feel the odd bump and we were sitting on 23 thomas cook boeing 757-200. And On The Way back on the 24th July The Flight Got Delayed And We Had To Go Back to a hotel till 26th as there were no spare plane's so people began to worrie that the plane crashed as it landed 2 hours late so it landed and we toke-off and as we began to come over the alps there was big thick clouds and i thought we'd miss it and they went up really slowly and then the wing's started wobling still no effect then suddenly they got really bad as we went into the cloud and the plane started rocking and doing all sort's so we had to re-route and we acctually landed 20 minutes early! :D, going to egypt on 20th july can't wait!

I'm flying 4th September to Lanzarote and i've been to the doctors today and been prescribed diazepam 2mg. I'm a bit nervous about taking it as I have never taken anything like this before. The doctor said to try taking one on my day off and see how it effects me. If it has no effect she said I can either take two 2mg tablets or she'll write me a new prescription for 5mg and I can take one. She said to take it 2 hours before my flight, i'm a bit concerned that's too early before my flight to take it and it'll wear off before I get on the plane. I'm just wondering if anyone can alleviate my concerns and share their experiences of using diazepam for fear of flying. Thanks!

laura, there are many discussion threads on HT about diazepam. Too many for me to post any links. If you click on the search button on the top of the page and type in Diazepam, you will find all the threads and can read those of particular interest to you.

Laura1988,

Always go off your doctors recommendations, but you'll also find some useful information on the following topic; Diazepam and reference to your previous discusions here.

Darren

Not longuntil till we go and It's the longest flight on I'm getting quite nervous about the journey can anyone give me any advise on whats best do I have a little drink before flying.. can the turbulance be bad this time of year ... How safe is flying... I'm so scared..x

My advice, based on personal experience is...don't drink!!

I don't usually drink before flying but a few years ago we met some people we know at the airport and before you know it, a couple of pints were sunk..and then a couple of chasers.

On the flight I felt lousy and eventually passed out. I woke up with a bag of ice round the back of my neck, surrounded by a couple of trolly dollies and my wife reading the insurance policy....nice!

You do get dehydrated after drinking alcohol and I've avoided it ever since.......not once I get there, though. I'd take a good book or an Ipod and just put your brain in neutral. Just accept it's a few hours of tedium that you have to put up with to get a great holiday. Turbulance is fairly rare and usually over in a couple of minutes. I always think that the pilot wants to get down safely just as much as I do, so leave it to him and relax!

I agree the drink or 2 makes it more easy but not have to many I just need to know it's safe!!!!

chinadoll I know its easy for me to say but flying is the safest mode of transport there is. when you get to the departure lounge just have one drink it should relax you, have a great holiday

I don't like flying but have done 3 long haul ones already this year and am in quite a state for a couple of days before we go.
What I do is use good quality ear plugs - waxy type ones (look like placticine) which you can mould to fit your ears and put these in after the safety demo. I also have a few drops of Bach Rescue Remedy but don't know if this is psychological or really works but always take it and read a magazine or do a arrow word puzzle whilst taking off until the plane straightens out (something easy so you can concerntrate on that and not what else is happening).
I watched a tv programme which explained how planes are made to withstand turbulance which put my mind at rest but still makes me jumpy when it happens.
Deep breaths, eyes closed and relax - is what I say to myself if it happens - I always watch the crew and they always seem to be getting on with whatever they are supposed to be doing so nothing is wrong and as roma said the pilots want to get there safely the same as we do.
Once you are up in the air things calm down have a drink and enjoy it - when I get wherever we are going I wonder what on earth I was worried about.

I'm not scared of flying as such, but I am feeling nervous about flying to Jersey in March. It's only an hour, but to me it sounds a bit nervy I know how I get when I go on something I've done many times, but not really done this too much.

Any tips for me?

Tarry,

There's lots of hints and tips, as well as aircraft information on this topic. The main thing to remember is air travel is the safest form of travel and statistically, the drive to and from the airport is the most dangerous part, not the flight. The flight crew will have carried out pre-flight checks of the aircraft and and highly trained professionals so there's nothing to worry about. Who are you flying with? We have lots of airline and aircraft information on the Flights Forum and aircraft photos so you know what you'll be flying on and a little about what to expect. It's often the unknown that gives rise to apprehension so if you know what to expect, it may make you feel better. Is there anything inparticular you're nervous about? You'll be fine, just enjoy the views out of the window as you fly across the channel.

Darren

I don't think I'm scared of it crashing and stuff, as I know it's safest mode of travel. Flying I think with BA. It's just strange nerves I get even when I've done something loads of times. I haven't flown before but even when I've done something which I haven't in regards to flying, I get nervous apprehension if that makes any sense.

Tarry,

You'll be surprised, many frequent fliers feel the same even though they've flown 100's of times. It's a perfectly normal feeling and you won't be on your own. Just think of it being a fast and slightly noisier bus ride. Once you're seated, apart from take-off and landing, there's not really much difference in terms of the cabin experience. You just sit there until you reach your destination, have a drink and a snack. You might find you enjoy it and will certainly like the views if you have a nice clear day and a window seat. If you're looking at travelling with BA, they use modern jet aircraft with excellent safety records so there's nothing to worry about.

Darren

Thank you

I can relate to a lot of these posts but thankfully I have never resorted to drugs. Most of my flying has been done with someone who worked in the industry (systems, not crew). To him, take off and landing are the most exciting, the bit in between is boring and usually have to wake him for drink, meal, etc! A few years ago we flew back from Cyprus on Eurocypria, the Captain that evening was their Training Captain who provided numerous laughs along the way. He had co-written a small paperback, with a psychologist specialising in Natural Health amongst other things. The book is Flying? No Fear! by Adrian Akers Douglas and Dr George Georghiou. The book deals with understanding what happens long before you board through to what could go wrong but thankfully rarely does. He sold out of his stock on the flight, telling us either we were all nervous or he was a good salesman.

A plane is a far more complex machine than a car and has several back up systems. Most airlines will deal with you sympathetically when you are boarding if they know you are a nervous flyer, although post-9/11 you are no longer allowed in the cockpit. Courses are also available from a number of airports.

Like a lot of people I hate turbulence, you can almost guarantee it will start when you have a drink in your hand! It's the forces of nature over which we have no control. I think that's where the problem rests. We are not in control, we are placing our wellbeing in the hands of 2 highly trained professionals whilst sitting in a confined space. Take something to occupy your mind - a puzzle book, i-pod, good book, travel game - it's amazing how quickly the time passes. There may even be a distraction like a fabulous sunset, an unbelievable experience from 35,000 feet!