Nervous traveller... and 'Plane Food'

Hello, i have a couple of questions...
First .. am travelling to LA from London in a few days, and i am going thru a 'don't like flying' phase.. I know i should just get control of my fear..but what can i say.. i fly a lot, but suddenly just get nervous, especially on long haul... once i took diazapam, but don't like feeling drugged up for days, can anyone recommend me something that would calm me without making me completely spaced out?
Also, i am flying UC ( never done that before ..can't wait!).... where would you recommend me to sit.. if i could choose?

And Finally.... can i ask for 'plane food?' -am not good at high altitudes with rich food!
Thanks in advance for any advice!
K

Of course it depends on the nature of your fears, my other half took some Bachs Rescue Remedy drops which took the edge of his nervousness. He also boarded last as sitting in his seat and waiting for the plane doors to close was the worst for him.

Also, fear of flying isn't something you can 'just control' so don't feel bad about it. What you can do is remember that flying isn't an experiment. Planes take off and land thousands of times every day, and you are in the hands of professionals. But I also know that sometimes that kind of information doesn't help, so do let the airline know that you are nervous... it makes all the difference.

I am sure you can ask for plain food, I think a Low Salt option would probably work, but airlines also have a Bland Meal option, which may be Complan.

Hi K and welcome to V-Flyer, if you don't like the look of the options on the Upper Class menu why not ask for an Economy or Premium Economy meal instead. In terms of seat the further forward the better usually as the bar (and noisy closet) is right at the back of Upper on the Airbus A340-600.

[honey lamb]

Welcome to V-Flyer. You might like to have a look at this. It may help you to decide what you would like to eat or, as has been suggested, ask for a PE or Economy meal

It is always best to let VS know that you are nervous, as they are very good with nervous passengers. They will explain things and in general make you feel better. What might help is getting to the airport early and watch how many planes take off and land and think this is just one airport out of many. They estimate that there are one million people in the air at one time.

Hope you have a good flight and flying UC helps a lot as there is heaps more space and do not feel so claustrophobic.

DMB

quote:Originally posted by DMetters-Bone
What might help is getting to the airport early and watch how many planes take off and land and think this is just one airport out of many. They estimate that there are one million people in the air at one time.


The lounge VS use is the Air New Zealand lounge, which is very nice, and down at the far end of the lounge has a great view of the Northern Runway complex at LAX.

Mike

Here are some tips from me as a sometimes nervous flyer (mine confined to a specific time period after which I am absolutely fine):

- remember the Captain won't go unless he or she is secure that everything is working as required

- go to the airport early and pace yourself - airports are designed to create irritation so don't feel rushed

- plan ahead to make sure everything that gives you comfort is close at hand - a really involving book is great during taxiing if it can take your mind somewhere else

- as said, take a seat near the furthest windows at the ANZ lounge and be reassured by viewing normal operations, I like the ANZ lounge at LAX, it's very soothingly designed

- have a couple of drinks but no more before take off.

- do mention to the crew if you are uneasy, they can be great

I know you'll be fine but also know it's sometimes difficult to calm irrational thoughts!

quote:Originally posted by slinky09
Here are some tips from me as a sometimes nervous flyer (mine confined to a specific time period after which I am absolutely fine):

- remember the Captain won't go unless he or she is secure that everything is working as required

- go to the airport early and pace yourself - airports are designed to create irritation so don't feel rushed

- plan ahead to make sure everything that gives you comfort is close at hand - a really involving book is great during taxiing if it can take your mind somewhere else

- as said, take a seat near the furthest windows at the ANZ lounge and be reassured by viewing normal operations, I like the ANZ lounge at LAX, it's very soothingly designed

- have a couple of drinks but no more before take off.

- do mention to the crew if you are uneasy, they can be great

I know you'll be fine but also know it's sometimes difficult to calm irrational thoughts!


I think Kitkat is flying to LA from London so will have the delight of the clubhouse, so the opportunity to relax with a treatment etc. will certainly be a bonus.

A couple of bottles of champagne works for me[;)]
Incidentally Plane food is here

Thankyou soo much everyone, so nice to hear from you all, wish you were all on the flight to calm me down as i go! Well looks like i will try and swap my flight to a day earlier as no friends going to be in london to visit as i pass thru.. and why prolong the agony.. so will see about getting that quiet seat... and a massage or something in the club room! Did i say Plane food..maybe i meant 'plain food' cant spell anymore1 I actually meant food that isnt rich.. may just take my porridge with me! But thanks for the advice! I used to do the bottle of champagne thing..but bubbles.. and alkahol add to dijgetstion problems in air.. and really dont want to be locked in WC for 10 hours..(done that form glasgow to london flight once after oyster poisoning.. cured my fear.. cos couldnt think of anything else except how bad i was feeling!) And i will definately tell the cabin crew.. hope they dont mind.. hate being the 'difficult' passenger!
and has anybody packed wine in suitcase in hold fo such long flight and arrived with it intact?

[honey lamb]

quote: and has anybody packed wine in suitcase in hold fo such long flight and arrived with it intact?
Yep, many times. In the past I have rolled them up in my clothes but on my last trip the bottles were packed in a wine carrier which was great.

quote:Originally posted by kitkat
and has anybody packed wine in suitcase in hold fo such long flight and arrived with it intact?


Many times on the way home from South Africa. Always wrap the bottles up in clothes and have never had a problem.

quote:Originally posted by Tinkerbelle
[quote]Originally posted by kitkat
and has anybody packed wine in suitcase in hold fo such long flight and arrived with it intact?


Many times on the way home from South Africa. Always wrap the bottles up in clothes and have never had a problem.


No problems from Australia either[:D]. I also place the bottles in clothes and then wrap them in a couple of plastic bags too.

Fantastic... now just see which clothes items i'll swap for my inflight wine cellar!

i've got my seat booked.. up in 5 k...so hopefuly will be nice and quiet1... and now off to buy my booze ..staying on original flight.. as i have treatment booked in club house.. and might well go nice and early.... to relax.. and maybe to do the whole 'iris' thing!
Thank you again everybody for your advice and ideas.. it really does make me feel better..
.. and although i'll probably be back again to message closer the the date... a Merry christmas...happy Holidays etc: to you all!

quote:Originally posted by kitkat
i've got my seat booked.. up in 5 k..



5K is my favourite seat [:)](along with 4K). Have fun in the CH - a spell in the jacuzzi would be nice and relaxing too.Try to enjoy - time passes quite quickly in the CH (trust me[:D]).
DL

Wow Dragon lady..didnt even know they had jacuzzi! thought i was just allocated one service..and that was it! (-i choose back massage!) Perhaps i will go there 4 hours early!!
x k

quote:Originally posted by kitkat
Wow Dragon lady..didnt even know they had jacuzzi! thought i was just allocated one service..and that was it! (-i choose back massage!) Perhaps i will go there 4 hours early!!
x k


The hot- tub doesn't count as a treatment. It's usually empty too. I love it. Only 4 hours early??[}:)]Surely you can do better than that?[:D]
DL