HI Everyone: Nervous Flyer Here

HI Everyone
I am new to flying with Virgin. We are plying out of Manchester to Orlando on Friday morning 8th Feb. VSO75 10.30 First time with Virgin. Upgraded to PE. i AM SO Nervous of flying especially Turbulance and i try really hard to hide it from my kids. Not flown on such a long flight for ages. Doing this to take kids on the holiday of a lifetime. Pre booked seats already in upper deck.

Any advice on what to expect on a Virgin flight and how to deal with turbulance would be great. i really want to get excited about the holiday but so nervous abotu flying its making it difficult.

Any advice would be fantastic.

Many Thanks
Fluffy

Topic name edited by Moderator ChuckC

Welcome fluffyberg and lucky you to have a holiday in the sun coming up!

On turbulance, there is no avoiding the fact that it is a feature of flying and can happen on the Florida flights. I would try to bear this in mind - turbulance is never going to stop the plane from flying, they're built to withstand huge forces so the most you'll ever get is a little discomfort [;)] and the flight crew will usually be well aware of any turbulance in the path of the aircraft and try to avoid it. That said, always comply with the seat belts on sign when forewarned by the crew - the only accidents I can think of caused by turbulance are to people who don't sit and strap themselves in.

There are many nervous flyers and you'll get various opinions - but if you can, drop a Temazapam or a Valium and they work wonders [:I]. Then you'll feel a lot calmer, enjoy the flight, and not look a muppet in front of the kids [:p]!

As to the flight, you're one of the best cabins, upper deck PE is oft reckoned to be the best PE option and feels like a small jet. The space and comfort are great. Others more familiar with this will chip in and you could do a search of the trip reports for MAN-MCO flights for more?

Hi,
I have flown MAN - MCO twice now. Both time have been fairly uneventful. You may hear people say they use the old flights on this route, at the end of the day they are all (old and new) maintained to the highest standard. Proof of this is that VS since they were launched sometime in the 80's have not had a single loss, no fatal accident, nothing. You are flying with one of the worlds youngest and safest fleets.

Turbulence, ok as already said, i cant sit here and tell you there wont be any, because the chances are there will if not whilst cruising then more likely whilst taking off or even more likely landing.
I have been on some very hairy flights, planes that have just dropped, thrown about from side to side, through thunder storms and still got off the plane. Whilst at times i can appreciate it may be a little unnerving it is normal. But it happens every day to millions of passengers.

If you are that scared then it may be a suggestion that when you get to your gate have a word with one of the cabin crew, maybe one can keep an eye on you during the flight and reassure you. You are not the first and only person to be scared to fly. I am sure they will be more than happy to help.

You're in safe hands and you should spend time looking forward to the fantastic holiday you are about to have
[y]

THANKYOU

Your replies have been really helpful. My hubby is great and he will fly anywhere on anything so he is great. I do have coping strategies which i know help. And i have booked a bottle of Moet to celebrate on the way as it is our wedding anniversary and my birthday when we are in Florida so a couple of glasses of bubbley will help!!!!!!!!!!

What is it like flying in Premium Economy i have read mixed reports on other websites some good some pretty scathing. Is it worth the money !!!!!!!!1 hope so ive booked it now?

Fluffy

PE is deffinatly worth the extra, in my opinion. It is deffinatly the market leader in its class since it offers a better service, where as other airlines only offer the larger seat. Being upstairs on the 744 is fantastic, it is so quite! So, in my opinion, yes you have mad the right chocie.

I dont know how old your kids are, but im 16 and If anyone I was flying with was nervous, it doesnt bother me because i know that everyone is affriad of something. From experience, hiding the fact sometimes just makes things worse, (especially with flying since you are in an enclosed environment) in my opinion. just my $0.02.

Fluffy

I am also a nervous flyer and worry about turbulence and also landing. The first time I flew Premium it was upstairs on a flight to Florida, it was a really comfortable flight, and I felt very safe. When we landed I was opposite two flight crew in the jump seats and they were laughing at me cos of how I was clinging on to seat arm and how scared I looked, but we seemed to glide down, not sure if this was cos pilot was so good or just because being upstairs we were so far from wheels and bumps, but anyway it was fine. Can't promise you won't get turbulence but just try to relax and enjoy flight, drink that bubbly and look at flight as part of holiday, then I'm sure you'll be fine

wow thankyou you have all been so helpfull, My daughter is 15 and i usualy sit with her as she really loves flying and even when i am at my most nervous she just helps me through. I do have a 7 year little boy who gets upset when im nervous so he sits with his Dad and doesnt really notice.

I tried hypnotism last year and from that use Paul Mckenna NLP tapping which works a treat and helped when i flew last but that was only to Ibiza.The cabin crew were amazing on that flight as i got really disstressed and took too many diazepam (just one extra) (being a nurse i should know better) I know my fear is irrational and lots of other people get scared i never used to. Silly really. As i love to travel and going to different places. i do feel more reassured flying with Virgin as they have got such a good reputaion.

I am going to have a fab time excited about having the upgrade and being pampered in PE, with bubbly and ive ordred gifts for the kids.
And it is currently 83 degrees in orlando wey hey!!!!!!!

Thankyou all again

Fluffy[ii][ii][ii]

Hiya Fluffyberg,

I am new to the forums here, and I am glad I joined in time to get to talk to you! I am Cabin Crew for Virgin and I wish you were flying from LGW so I could have swapped to your flight. MAN is a dedicated crew that are based there, so no luck. Let me just say that you are in good hands as everyone has indicated! When you board the aircraft and go upstairs you will be greeted with a welcome drink. If you want I would take that opportunity to introduce yourself to the staff that are working upstairs and let them know your a nervous flyer. I love when passengers take a look at my name badge, or ask my name and then introduce themselves. It's an easy way to build a good relationship with them for the flight. Crew tend to look after nervous passengers to the best of their ability. I like to check on them often, especially if it does get bumpy. That said, turbulence is not really dangerous at all! I happen to love turbulence. It's a fun little ride for me. If it does get bumpy, do not worry. Alot of times the captain will ask crew to take their seats. It's really just to prevent people from getting hurt but the plane is in no real jeopardy. Another thing is that once the meal service is done and the brandy and baileys has been cleared away and the crew are done with all the main services, you can go to the galley and have a little chat with the crew. On this route we have crew rest and the Upper Deck crew get left of their own for hours. (Being there are only two upstairs and one is gone for break) so I welcome passengers coming for a chat on my jumpseat!

I hope you enjoy your flight and have a great time in Florida!

Galley Guy

I am a nervous flyer, though getting better with it the more I fly. I like to have a spritz or two of Bach's Rescue Remedy before I fly. It's flower essences or something. My husband thinks it's nothing more than a psychological effect, but I do think it truly makes me feel calmer.

I hope you have a smooth flight!

Hi Galley Guy

Your reply was lovley it has really helped me. I am getting quite excited about it now. The Virgin team sound fab and really nice nad firendly. Me i love chatting to differetn people as i am a nurse. My hubby says i will talk to anyone!!!!!!! ha ha ha Pity we arnt going from LGW we nearly did. Did i hear you say baileys thats sound yum. I have ordered a bottle of champagne on our flight out and some lovely gifts for my kiddywinks. They are a surpise for them. Thankyou again for taking the time to post a reply. Do you enjoy your job as cabin crew? for myself a nervous flyer i think it would be my worst nightmare job!!!! All credit to you its not an easy job and sometimes you meet very difficult customers. Hope you have a great time flying across the skies

Fluffy

Heya Fluffy,

Yeah. In Premium its: Boarding Drinks then takeoff. Followed by Hot Towels/Landing Cards/Menus/Headsets. When thats done we go into the first drink service, then the main meal service, tea/coffee, 2nd tea/coffee, clearing in, brandy and baileys, clear in, duty free, then spare time. I do enjoy my job and its a great way to meet people. Funnily enough one of my best mates was afraid of flying before working at Virgin. Once she did the training she realized how safe it was and now she loves it. You will be fine, I am sure of it. While difficult customers are there, the good ones always make up for it. Have a great time! Press the call bell if you need me...or message me rather

Galley Guy

[ChuckC]

This is a great topic and thanks all for posting. Am going to change the topic name so we better describe fluffyberg's area of interest.

Regards to all.
ChuckC-

Turbulence is mainly frightening because it is unexpected and is something that you do not know.
I would agree with the suggestion above to talk to the cabin crew - they know turbulence and can help you through it. It is often just like a car ride on a bumpy road - you are just travelling through 'bumpy' air but the speed makes it feel worse.

One site that may help : http://www.turbulenceforecast.com/atlan ... tracks.php
Areas where turbulence may occur are marked on the map (get an up-to-date copy before you fly)
They are usually fairly narrow bands and your flightcrew will try to keep it to a minimum.

This site will give you some warning where the turbulence is likely to occur - current forecast is for some just when you are about to have some lunch - don't fill your wineglass too full!
You are in the best seats for a smoother ride and one of the best aircraft.

HI Everyone

Thankyou for the turbulance forcasts i was at work today and all my patients think im obsessed with turbulance bless em.[:0][:0][:0] i have had some of my oldest ladies telling how they have flown around the world and been safe. Was going to get some diazepam to calm me down but with all this fab advice ive decided to go it alone and enjoy the flight.

I am now getting really excited about going and flying PE with Virgin i will have to give you all and indepth report when i arrive back including a full report on the turbulance ha ha ha ha !!!

Friday 10.30 manchester here i come !!!!!!![^][^][^][^]

Fluffy

We'll look forward to your TRs.[:)]
Have a wonderful holiday.[:D]
I always think to myself that I don't like turbulance because I am not in control & it sounds as though you are the same as me - you'd rather be flying the plane!(in theory).

Take the diazepam ... enjoy the flight

The thing is if i take the diazepam cant have the bubbly !!!!!!!!

alcohol or tranquilizers???????????

Maybe it could be a poll!!

Should Fluffy drink alcohol[:$] or tanquilisers?????? [:0]you decide
Ha ha ha ha !!!!!!!!
Fluffy

Booze and pills never caused me any trouble. I drink about 5 flutes of champagne and then pop 1.5 sleeping pills (zolpidem, aka Ambien¨) and none the worse for the wear.

GJ

Originally posted by fluffyberg
The thing is if i take the diazepam cant have the bubbly !!!!!!!!

alcohol or tranquilizers???????????

Maybe it could be a poll!!

Should Fluffy drink alcohol[:$] or tanquilisers?????? [:0]you decide
Ha ha ha ha !!!!!!!!
Fluffy

Definitely both [}:)] you may not even remember the flight let alone any turbulence [:D]. Look forward to the TR and have a great flight (today???).

Hi Everyone

Well its less than 24 hours till we fly arggghh!!!!!!!

Chillin' the wine for this evening (good job the father in law is driving us to the airport. We fly out of Manchester 10.30 tomorrow morning. Feeling a tad nervous but it's great reading all these posts - it really helps.

So thanks to you - all your posts have been fab. Yesterday everyone at work was doing their best to recall all the recent plane crashes !!!!!!! I figure (that sounds a little American!) they are just jealous!!!! Especially when I told then I'm going PE (As I'm a nurse they all thought I meant Pulmonary Embolism ). No, just going POSH!!!!!!!

Thanks again. Off to get me hair and nails done. Can't go in PE looking like a scruff!

FLUFFY

OH MY GOD JUST LOOKED AT TURBULANCE FORECAST LOOKS WORSE THAN YESTERDAY HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

GIVE ME VALIUIM NOW!!!!!

FLUFFY

[Darren Wheeler]

Originally posted by fluffyberg
No, just going POSH!!!!!!!

Port outward, Starboard home in reality I hope?[:)]

Thanks again. Off to get me hair and nails done. Can't go in PE looking like a scruff!

Why ever not[:D]

[

Originally posted by fluffyberg
OH MY GOD JUST LOOKED AT TURBULANCE FORECAST LOOKS WORSE THAN YESTERDAY HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

GIVE ME VALIUIM NOW!!!!!

FLUFFY

Not sure if you're looking at the same forecast as I am, generally light to moderate for the south east US. Looks bad to the north east but your captain will have lots of options to avoid that.

Well hello everyone

Im back from the wonderful world of Disney!!!!!!!!!!!

Amazing Virgin Flight
Manchester crew were lovley little bit bumpy but was the best flight i had in ages, not nervous at all.

Fluffy

[Decker]

Excellent news! Welcome home!