Is there a way to get over a fear of flying?

I have a total phobia about heights in general and flying in particular. I can't even get on a ladder without being able to hold onto something else. I get dizzy and nauseated when I have a seat that is too high up in a stadium with the vertical seating such as the United Center in Chicago. I really want to get over the fear of flying. My husband travels frequently for business to Europe and Japan and he really wants me to go with him.

First off, try not to worry or be nervous. I know that seems hard not to, but the more you worry and the more nervous you are, the scarier it'll be. I believe that knowledge is key, and once you know the procedure it'll be a lot less scarier for you. (Since your husband is a frequent flyer, I'll leave out all the details about what to bring and how to navigate an airport.)

If you are that scared of heights, try to book an isle seat so you don't have to look out the window.

When you taxi, you barely feel the plane move at all. At this point the cabin crew will tell you all you need to know about what to do in case of emergencies and such. They will do a demonstration or show a video of where the exits are, how to fasten your seatbelt, when portable electronics can and can't be used, etc. The captain will come on and give a little speech about the flight and what to expect - something about how long it will take until you take-off, what to expect weather wise in your destination city, and how long the flight should take.

When the plane prepares for liftoff, it starts to go really fast down the runway, and then within 45 seconds you are up in the air. Things may seem a little wobbly at first, but that's just because of moving through the different altitudes. Your ears will pop as you climb through the altitudes also. (chewing gum, drinking something, swallowing, or yawning will alleviate the pressure.)

Once you are in the air, things will feel smooth. You will hear the humm of the engines, but that's normal, nothing to worry about. I actually find it relaxing. If there is turbulence, you might feel the plane wobble a little bit, but remember, planes are designed to withstand this, so take a deep breath and try not to think about it. After a few minutes, you will hear a ding. This is the captain letting the flight attendants know that the plane has reached 10,000 feet. At this point, the rate of ascent will decrease. You will also get an announcement that it's OK to use portable electronic devices at this time.

When you are approaching landing, your ears will pop as you descend through the altitudes (remember: chewing gum, drinking something, swallowing, or yawning will alleviate the pressure). You will feel the plane slow down and the cabin crew will prepare you for landing. As you get close to your destination, the captain will come back on and tell you how much longer until you land, and what the weather is like. When the plane touches down it kind of feels like a short jolt, and then you hear them cut the engines off and the plane slows down pretty fast.

From there, the plane will taxi to either the gate or the designation where a bus will pick you up. You wait for the plane to decompressurize a few moments before they start letting the passengers out. That was your flight.


To entertain yourself:
- Bring along a few book, magazines, puzzles (such as crosswords or Sodoku if you like those).
- Bring along an iPod, MP3 player, or CD player to listen to music.
- A laptop is good to have as you can play games on it, connect to the internet, and get any work done that you may have. (You have to have a WIFI card in your laptop and the airline will charge you to connect to the internet)
- Try talking to the people next to you. Sometime you will meet some really interesting people, and forge friendships.

If you are curious as to what it looks like from up there (you can see it while safely on the ground before being up in the air), here are some pictures of the last time I flew in the cockpit with my husband. Maybe seeing the pilots work and remembering that they have families will help you.
Here's the blog about the trip: http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-5ksVjU47e...
Here's the pictures of the trip: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jamie_hasse...

If you need someone to talk to, or need more advice, I'll be happy to help, feel free to contact me anytime.

Have a valium,have a couple of 'Martinis'.

Watch AIRPORT 77 with Karen Black and don't eat the fish.

Jonny Walker Black works well. Just get over it.

The only way to get over the fear of flying is to fly. Just do it. Go in a plane with some one. Its not bad at all I actually enjoy it and think it is super cool looking through the windows and seeing alll the houses turning into what looks like doll houses! Good Luck

I have the same problem. Drugs like Valium help. Try a short flight to build up your confidence. There are also classes that help you overcome your fear of flying. Travel is wonderful once you get past the flight!

Fly so much that it becomes boring and second nature.

Or perhaps see a doctor that can help you get over this phobia (and I believe it's real) ... but any other advice that you get on an internet board won't be much help.

See your doctor.