Flying to LAX Nervous Flyer

[led-zep]

Hi All,

I have flown a lot but am still very nervous these days..

So heading to LAX on Saturday and have not done a VA international flight on VA1.

How is Virgin these days with long haul flights? Ive only ever done QF to the States.

I know its short notice to relax a nervy flyer but any info or tips you can give will be appreciated!

 

[JohnK]

There really isn't that much to worry about. Virgin is a very safe airline.

I find taking half a Xanax before the flight (or Valium previously) helps to relax me. Others have their own methods.

Good luck.

 

[Dylan O'Connor]

I just flew VA from Perth to NY a few weeks back. Fantastic product for economy. Comfy seats, in flight entertainment is good. You will be fine on Virgin.

 

[Ben6]

Hi Led-Zep,

Virgin fly relatively new 777 planes to LAX so you have nothing to worry about. The service is usually very friendly and if you politely mention your nerves, they'll probably keep an eye on you.

If you're lucky enough to be in J class, then instead of being nervous, get excited about a tremendous experience to come!!!

 

[Dylan O'Connor]

I've got no issues flying, I'm doing VA again BNE-JFK in Feb.

 

[Ben6]

I've got no issues flying, I'm doing VA again BNE-JFK in Feb.

Sorry Dylan, meant to note OP, will edit now

 

[Fiches Mouser]

Have a little read through this which gives a run-down of VA's history and their safety record. They're given a 7 out of 7 on safety: Virgin Australia Review & Safety Ratings | AirlineRatings.com

Honestly, VA's international crews in particular are great and the product is solid. I can't imagine you'll have any issues.

And as I'm sure you've heard many times before, air travel really is one of the safest forms of transport.

Interesting stat from Wikipedia (not sure of its origin so can't verify accuracy):

Type	per billion journeys	per billion hours	per billion km
Air	117	30.8	0.05
Bus	4.3	11.1	0.4
Rail	20	30	0.6
Van	20	60	1.2
Water	90	50	2.6
Car	40	130	3.1
Pedal cycle	170	550	44.6
Foot	40	220	54.2
Motorcycle	1640	4840	108.9

 

[Teal747]

I just flew VA from Perth to NY a few weeks back. Fantastic product for economy. Comfy seats, in flight entertainment is good. You will be fine on Virgin.

Do the flight attendants recognize or greet Virgin platinum flyers while on the plane?

 

[NZflygirl]

I'd do the same routine you do for any other flight. Something to fidget with or a game on your phone to focus on and distract you or pics on phone when you need it. Movies don't do it for me.

 

[Muppet501st]

Do the flight attendants recognize or greet Virgin platinum flyers while on the plane?

In my experience, yes.

From boarding, to coming around before the meal service and offering you first choice of the meal options- then being delivered before the rest of the cabin, and handing out express passes.

 

[Ausbt]

Do the flight attendants recognize or greet Virgin platinum flyers while on the plane?

Can be patchy. 6 long-haul sectors (2 x PE, 4 x J) for me this year and CSM greeting on only 3 occasions. Not that I really need the CSM to come and chat to me, but it is a nice touch. However, I'm certainly a huge fan of VA's in flight service. Very friendly and very efficient. What they are not, is deferential. And I think that is where their failing is for *some people*. There are those who think "if I'm sitting in J the FAs should fawn over me". The VA crew, being mostly Gen Y Aussies ...well that's just not their style.

To the OP, my recipe for a nerveless flight is a good pair of noise-cancelling headphones (crank up the Led Zep, obviously) and a moderate amount of booze. No Xanax or other such stuff though - I would never take those on a flight nor mix with alcohol.

 

[razors_girl23]

I'm an awful flyer, to the point that a few years ago, I was catching a bus or train from Adelaide to Sydney. I'm much better now, but still hate it. Recently flew SYD to LAX return on VA and it was great. I was in J though, which certainly helps. The crew are lovely, their safety is where you want it to be and I was lucky enough not to have much turbulence on either flight. You'll be fine. It's worth it.

 

[i_hate_the_tulla_freeway]

Good gin, ice, and a stick of cucumber takes the edge off anything.

Repeat as necessary