What was that feeling?

[Julie]

Hi Captain Keith,

I am so scared of my up coming flight to Rhodes. I have only ever flown twice before. to Portugal and back last year, and I didnt like it to say the least.

In under 3 weeks i will be flying to Greece with my little girl this time.  Its going to take 4 hours! 4 hours!!!! It seems such a long time to be in the air and I just know im going to panic. The closer its getting the worse im feeling and its taking over my life. I even sit here crying.

On the flight home from Portugal, the plane kept feeling like it was dropping slightly, causing that feeling in the tummy like when a car goes over a hill. everyone was saying oooh every time it happened, but I don't know what caused it.

I was hoping it was turbulence and that's as bad as it got, but after reading recent news reports, im wondering whether it was or not.

Any reassurance would be a help!

I MEAN 4 WHOLE HOURS! So scared

Julie

[Michelle]

Hi Julie, I can totally relate to how you're feeling because I'm feeling pretty much the same about my flight to Turkey on Sunday which is also 4 hours. Only 6 months ago I felt even worse as I went to Cuba and the flight was 10 hours long but I have to say it was a breeze and I needn't have worried at all, but I guess once you're a fearful flyer no matter how many times you fly these feelings come flooding back whether it's a 10hr flight or a 1 hour flight.

[Gareth Norcott]

Hi Julie,

I flew to Rhodes last year with Monarch and the flight, although it was meant to be 4 hours, only took 3hrs 20mins. Not sure if that helps. It actually doesn't feel that long in the air - no sooner are you up there, the crew are coming round with magazines, drinks, earphones etc....and then it's dinner being served (if you've opted for that).....then one last push on the sales trolley and you're landing. Rhodes is lovely and that's your reward on the end....just focus on that and the things you would like to do when you get there.

Planes do bounce slightly, remember they are designed to do that. But it's really no more servere than the bounce you get on the train....the carridge rocks back and forth, side to side, click clacks etc - it's much worse sometimes but do we bat an eyelid?

The recent turbulence event in the news is very rare and occurred over the Atlantic, where a lot of storms develop - anyhow, they all made it back. You're flying to Greece, where the air is often dry and sunny. You'll be fine, I just feel it will be ok for you.

Have a great time

Gareth

[Julie]

Hi,

Michelle,

thanks for the reply, hope your having an excellent time in Turkey!

xxx

I can totally relate to how you're feeling because I'm feeling pretty much the same about my flight to Turkey on Sunday which is also 4 hours.

[Julie]

Hi Gareth,

Thanks for the reassurance!

And yes it is nice to know the flight took less time. My daughter reckons when they say "4 hours" that includes taxi-ing etc.

Its nice to have things explained simply and sometimes its the unknown which makes our fears worse. I am going to try and think of these bumps as potholes in a road!

Thank you once again

Julie

Gareth Norcott said:

Hi Julie,

I flew to Rhodes last year with Monarch and the flight, although it was meant to be 4 hours, only took 3hrs 20mins. Not sure if that helps. It actually doesn't feel that long in the air - no sooner are you up there, the crew are coming round with magazines, drinks, earphones etc....and then it's dinner being served (if you've opted for that).....then one last push on the sales trolley and you're landing. Rhodes is lovely and that's your reward on the end....just focus on that and the things you would like to do when you get there.

Planes do bounce slightly, remember they are designed to do that. But it's really no more servere than the bounce you get on the train....the carridge rocks back and forth, side to side, click clacks etc - it's much worse sometimes but do we bat an eyelid?

The recent turbulence event in the news is very rare and occurred over the Atlantic, where a lot of storms develop - anyhow, they all made it back. You're flying to Greece, where the air is often dry and sunny. You'll be fine, I just feel it will be ok for you.

Have a great time

Gareth

[Captain Keith]

Hi Julie

Whole four hours is no different from 1, 2, 3 or 10 hours as far as the plane is concerned.

Sounds like you went thru' some turbulence but I can promise you it's no problem for the plane or crew. There's no point in reading news reports if they were any use at all pilots would need to read them....and we don't ...so that must say something. I'll say something about them...they're total garbage!

There are over 1000 pages of help on this forum, the blog and website....if that isn't enough information for you I don't know what will be.

First thing you have to do is stop telling yourself that you're going to hate it and that you're going to panic. If doing that DOESN'T have any effect on you then why not tell your daughter that she's going to panic and be frightened and that it's all dangerous?

You wouldn't do that because you know waht effect it would have on her. SO STOP DOING IT TO YOURSELF. Even if you do have a bad turn on the plane you'll making it worse by predicting it now.

All the evidence is that it's not as bad on the plane as it is in your mind . Look at the stories on this forum...see Francescas recent flight for example.

Captain Keith

[Julie]

Hi Captain Keith,

Thank you for your reply.

"Whole four hours is no different from 1, 2, 3 or 10 hours as far as the plane is concerned."

I know, however its longer for me to last! :)

Im glad you explained that it was turbulence as I now know I have gone through some and I know how it can feel.

"There are over 1000 pages of help on this forum, the blog and website....if that isn't enough information for you I don't know what will be"

Well im hoping your book will be which I have just started, and find excellent already and im only on page 17! Some funny little drawings of a little man on his seat. Its very informative.

Two weeks one day till take off! Should be able to read your book cover to cover a couple of times and hopefully overcome this stupid fear!

Thank you

Julie

[Captain Keith]

Good on you! And I'm here to answer any questions you have. 01420 588 628.

All you have to do in return is tell everyone you know, all about this site!

Keep at it...and remember we're here to give you all the support and help you need.

Keith