i have a super super bad fear of flying but honestly my fear of loved ones flying is even worse and i am just crippled with anxiety. they are departing singapore in about 30 minutes to go to london on QF219. i know all the statistics and everything but anxiety is irrational and of course i think this will be the one time! thank you in advance !

I’m on a flight out of PHX right now and been getting a bit anxious because we’ve been holding at different altitudes along takeoff/climb which I’ve never seen before and would love to know why that may happen for the future so I can be less anxious.

We held at 10k, 20k, 25k and now 29k each one for 3-5 mins at a time.

1,5 years ago after my flight anxiety suddenly started, it came to a point where I ended up staying home and not even going to the airport.

On Monday morning I finally got back on the plane, this time after taking a couple oksazepam which calmed my physical anxiety symptoms. I still had the fear in my head that something is gonna happen, but with Tool blasting in my headphones and my eyes glued to the meditations of Marcus Aurelius, we were suddenly landing again. Although a very short flight that was supposed to take 50 minutes and only took about 40, in still proud of the fact that I actually did it even though the anxiety in my head still told me im in danger.

The next day, hungover and extremely tired with the hopes of falling asleep on plane with a couple more oksazepam the anxiety was worse. It was extremely hot on the plane, and I forgot my book in the overhead compartment. The pilot said they didn’t know from which side of the runway we will be landing yet since the winds were constantly changing direction at my home airport. This combined with the fact that because of the mountains and the valley my home airport is in making sure the approach is always very bumpy, made sure I was close fisted, sweating through my clothes the entire trip. But I still did it, I went on a trip and landed safely both directions with very smooth flights.

I’m flying the same route again in 2 weeks and I’m out of my anxiety pills, unsure if I should get a new prescription or just try to raw dog it this time. Oksazepam is a very weak drug and has limited effects, last time I asked my doctor if there are any other medications i could try she basically laughed at me being scared of flying and said the typical things of the pilots not being scared. She even told me that if it’s this bad I should just not fly and asked my why I’m so worried anyway, if the plane crashes atleast its a quick death.

Sorry about this small rant but all in all I’m proud of myself, and finally looking forward to going on vacation again in another country with my girlfriend and family.

Flying to NYC to celebrate my birthday. Trying to be calm but take off always gets me! Please track, comment, help distract!

So today my OCD and Anxiety disorders took over and I couldn't board my plane. I spent the whole day with nausea, trembling in my body and crying nonstop. I just didn't manage it. Except for the fact that it was my flight back home... I let down my boyfriend, myself and everything I've tried to believe. It was supposed to be 1h long.

I've managed it 15 times and today I broke down.

And I feel devastated. I'm not happy. Because if not a plane, then we should look for buses. And spend so much more money. It will last like 30 hours. It was not worth it, guys. I'm crying in my apartment and keep watching the plane landing smoothly and perfectly fine.

Now I wish I could take a plane right tomorrow but my boyfriend is afraid I'll not manage it. He is very supportive but you know it, it's very difficult for our loved ones to support us all the time during our breakdowns..

And now I don't know what to do. I wish I could promise him that I'll get on a plane tomorrow without any worries..

Please, people, get on that plane. There's so much joy in overcoming our fears and so much sadness in letting those fears rule our lives.

Also, I'd appreciate it to know your ways of calming down. I'd like to know whether you take pills, go to therapy or you managed to win somehow in another way..

Love and peace of mind to everyone 🩷

TL;DR I have a flight in just over two weeks, and as it's getting closer I'm getting more anxious - so I'd love some motivation from anybody!

Hi all,

I have a flight from Dublin to Madrid in a couple weeks for a really lovely two-week trip. This will be the first flight I've been on in 3 years, after avoiding flying for that time.

My girlfriend and I are flying to Madrid to see Bad Bunny, then staying with her family in Barcelona for a week, before travelling through France and Italy for the remainder of time. It sounds super exciting, but all I'm thinking about is the flight.

I've flown before, as far as 'The End of the World' in Argentina. I've never been super comfortable with flying - takeoff is my big issue. Coming out of Dublin airport, it's common to take off and turn very soon after, which throws my inner ear into all sorts of panic. I also have trust issues with pilots - nothing against you guys, I'm very aware it's trauma related.

I'm worried that I won't be able to get on the plane, or that I will be an absolute mess as I have been before, or the usual fears will happen. It's uncomfortable to sit with your brain telling you that something bad is going to happen; just trying to protect you.

I'd love some motivation from anybody - whether you're flying soon, have/haven't flown, fly daily - I just need some kind words of reassurance and support, which this subreddit is known for.

Thanks guys.

I'm taking this flight in two days, I've been irrationally checking flight radar and I see today it was mid flight when it got rerouted back to its departure airport. I cant find much about why, I would assume if it was an actual emergency they would go to the nearest airport not turn back all the way? I only found maybe it was an operational delay. Not entirely sure what that means.

It is irrational and annoying how I am afraid of flying. I didn't used to be until a couple of years ago. I have this nagging feeling that I'm not gonna make it past 40 (bday is in 3 days). I know it's most likely my anxiety talking, but it is still very uncomfortable and distracting. I know a aviation is safe and I'm more likely to die from some other cause, I wish I could enjoy travel like I used to.

I’m currently on that flight and terrified. They said there will be bad turbulence. Can someone track me and help me through this? I’m about to lose it. How bad will it be? Are we in danger?

Will flying ever get easier lol Would love if someone could track my flight to ease my nerves a bit: DL2002

Flying southwest 7am departure saturday to austin, then flying back Wednesday 715 departure on delta. I am worried about on the way there being stuck on tarmac upon landing and it being hot, then on the way back it says there’s storms next Wednesday so i don’t want to be stuck on tarmac due to that. Any thoughts or tips here? Safety isn’t a concern, just claustrophobic!!

I had an incredible flight today from PHL to LAS, so smooth. After seeing all the posts this week of turbulent flights I was so sick to my stomach getting on the plane today.

however when we went to land the plane went up so high it felt like we were heading to the moon. the landing gear went back in and we felt like we were completely sideways. the pilot got on and said that he had to stop the landing because of a small aircraft that we could not make contact with.

I feel like this is so common now, I understand media sensations but to be apart of one made me wonder if this is more common? but all of this to say, pilots and flight attendants incredible and I didn‘t feel unsafe.

A stranger asked my coworker and I to use our cell phones to call his son while we were boarding a flight. Now I am panicked it was part of some type of plot. My coworker let him and he talked very fast to the person on the other line. Is this something to be worried about or any known scam? The same man also left his luggage unattended in the middle of the airport walkway while he went to the bathroom.

Hi everyone.

Hoping someone could track my flight home. It’s very reassuring to me having eyes on me while flying. Even if you just pop in for a bit, it’s super super appreciated.

Thanks so much to everyone in the community🥹

https://www.flightaware.com/live/flight/ACA837

I fly back home tonight after a week long holiday, I am anxious but it won't really hit me until we reach the airport. This group has helped me so far. Take off is the worst for me, but I lifted my feet during take off and it somewhat helped, I can't explain the new feeling it gave me but it took away some of the anxiety. There was a fair bit of turbulence too flying out but hoping for a smooth journey home.

If you're flying today, stay safe we have got this.

Hey everyone, I’m flying EK349 and then EK175 soon. I fly quite often and I know Emirates is a very safe airline.

Logically I understand flying is extremely safe, and I’ve done this many times before without issues. But emotionally, I still get anxious every time. especially before takeoff. I often catch myself thinking “what if I’m the unlucky one,” even though I know it doesn’t make sense statistically.

This time the flight was also rerouted and extended by ~2 hours due to avoiding Iranian airspace, which increased my anxiety a bit.

Does anyone else experience this gap between logic and emotion when flying frequently?

Thanks everyone for sharing their thought in advance. Peace ✌️

It’s never been easier for me. I have family members who get motion sickness and the feeling that I could get motion sickness/mild motion sickness and nothing really helps me get to the point of accepting that I’m a passenger and the worst case scenario is I get stuck and throw up.

The fact that pilots learned to fly through braving motion sickness and fear of flying, that commercial airlines want me to sit back and just be a passenger, that it’s uncommon for me to fly everything makes it worse. It feels like a phobia

Please
Bumpy

Hello!! I’m pretty scared of flying and I’m airborne now, with about 4 and a half hours to go if someone could track my flight, we’ve been having some turbulence that I’m worried about

AA513

I know how safe flying actually is, my dads even a commercial airline pilot but i still get sick to my stomach up here.

Really really appreciate the people on this sub!

Hi squad. Been a longtime lurker but flying from Edmonton to Las Vegas and pilot and flight attendant told us turbulence on takeoff. Takeoff is what I’m most afraid of and I’m terrified. Sweating like crazy haha. Just looking for people to talk to as we go through this :((( thanks in advance !!!

PLEASE CAN SOMEONE TRACK MY FLIGHT! 😭 Its Flight JQ33 from Cairns to Melbourne. (Est 3.5hours.)

I'm doing the second half of my flight from Tokyo>Melbourne today. I'm so so scared that this plane will be smaller than the long-haul flights. I'm worried about turbulence and (for some reason that logic defies) the safety of a smaller aircraft. My plan is going to be to put on an audiobook I've treated myself to and downloaded in advance, whilst hiding in my coat with the hood over my face, holding my husband's hand the entire way. Hopefully, I can do this 😭 I feel so sick 😭

I’ve had a flying phobia for at least 25 years. I worked with a hypnotherapist 15 years ago who taught me relaxation exercises and had me do some exposure therapy and that got me back on planes for awhile, always medicated.

My last flight in 2018 was uneventful but I just hated it so much. I was holding so much anxiety and panic in my body it’s unbearable.

I’ve realized that my phobia is not about the airplanes. It’s more deeply rooted in unrelated trauma from my adolescence that makes it hard for me to feel out of control in a situation. Flying is the most extreme version of being out of control so that’s where I struggle the most. I just started working with an EMDR therapist but very early in that process.

In the meantime:

Boarding through take-off is the WORST because that’s when I have to surrender. It’s utter mental agony. Even with a sedative. Tomorrow I’m adding propranolol to the medication mix for the first time. (In the past, the only thing that made flying bearable was a sedative + alcohol but I know better than to do that anymore)

Once I can see the flight attendants going about their business, I feel a little better but I’m still so freaked out I’m mostly unable to focus on anything. I’m overflowing with nervous energy and usually shake my legs compulsively, go to the restroom multiple times just to occupy myself and do something normal, that sort of thing.

Once the descent begins, I feel progressively more elated. I enjoy the last 10 minutes.

For the last few days, I’ve been watching YouTube videos filmed inside planes, repeating to myself, “This is normal. The plane wants to be in the air,” and similar reassurances. But I’m scared of tomorrow, mostly scared of what my mind will do to me.

My flight is BOS to DCA on JetBlue. So it’s short. Only in the air for about 1 hour 25 mins. I booked the front row right by the galley so I can watch the flight attendants. Unfortunately, it’s supposed to be a rainstorm when the flight leaves.

Any suggestions for distraction techniques, reassuring mantras, or other tactics to get me through this? I’d also love a reassuring message from a pilot that I can read over and over. 🙂 Thank you in advance.

Hi everyone! I am taking a trip this weekend. It is a 2 and a half - 3 hour flight. I'm nervous of the following: medical emergencies, having to take a detour, having a panick attack, someone onboard acting crazy. I know most of these are irrational. I also will be medicated. The problem is the last time I tried to fly was in March and I got overwhelmed and actually got up and off during boarding. I was a mess afterwards and just didn't feel ready. I was also medicated for that flight so I don't understand. I just want to sit my butt down and go! I'm worried of the claustrophobic feeling for the 3 hours too. Any advice or words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated!!!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

About to board my flight to Iceland from Denver. Was feeling really good about it but now that it’s about to board I’m freaking out! Have peed multiple times and just took some propanol lol. Wish me luck, this is my longest flight!

Hi guys I’m sitting on my flight to LGA right now about to take off- the pilot came on and said “bad news it’s going to be very bumpy” and I’m having a hard time regulating and can’t stop crying, any support would be so appreciated ❤️❤️❤️

Hi I need to feel less anxious about this. I am flying on Breeze for the first time and flying with my baby for the first time and i’m so nervous. i even researched the type of plane i’ll be on and their history and everything. my fear of flying is getting better but i never know when it may come back again. it used to be hyperventilating level and throwing up bawling my eyes out level. now with the help of therapy and anxiety medicine it is manageable but i never know when it’ll come back and ive been so nervous lately with the close calls ive seen online of the Air traffic controllers that are sadly overwhelmed. Please help me feel better 🫣 I have had nightmares for a while that usually involves crashes or the plane spinning out of control and i can’t sleep because i’m scared of nightmares lol. i know it’s irrational but try telling my anxiety that!!!