Never Flown & Nervous

[agent009]

Hi To Everyone.

Thanks for reading my post.

I am 47 and have never been outside Australia. We are planning a trip later this year to France & Italy. If I manage to get the guts to go I have decided I must fly QANTAS & it must be premium economy. I think I would feel to claustrophobic in economy.

Here are my main concerns:

a. what do you do on a plane for 22 hours ? I think that could drive me batty.

b. I think (unreasonably) I prefer to fly during the day so the pilot can see what he is doing. Stupid I know.

c I know premium economy is probably not worth it but I am doing this for my mental health.

d. Some say its better to break up the trip like stopping in Singapore over night and then resuming the next day. Others say just get it over with. Any thoughts ?

Honestly, I would love to travel just once and to experience other countries. I have read and downloaded stuff for scared flyers (eg from Virgin). I guess a lot of people dont love flying but see it as a means to a rewarding end.

 

[Evan]

a.) thats what we all try to figure out ! read a book, watch some movies, just take some earplugs and sleep.
b.) interesting is it ok if i laugh Can be done but you may find it better to sleep at night.
c.) yes it can be good to break a trip up and besides Hong Kong or Singapore make easy, safe, fun places to visit.

Good luck, relax and enjoy it !

E

 

[NYCguy]

Good on you for taking the plunge after such a long time. I must say a Europe trip is a pretty hard-core start to your flying experience, but you'll be fine. Keep in mind that millions of people fly billions of miles every single day, and that 'incidents' are very rare.

In answer to your questions:
1. What to do for 22 hours - well, get a window seat, I spend quite a bit of time gazing out of the window, even if it's just at the tops of clouds. Otherwise I fiddle with my laptop, watch a movie sometimes, or get to reading the book or report that I have been meaning to get to. If you're flying premium Y on QF, you'll have their whole IFE system to keep you occupied.
2. By the time a Pilot is promoted to Captain on a large airliner, they have more than adequate skills at using instruments to fly without the assistance of sunlight. Besides which, for most of the flight, it's computers pointing the aircraft in the right direction, using instructions entered by the flight crew.
3. Premium Y looks more comfortable than 'economy' Y. You should travel in the best cabin you can afford.
4. As Evan said, Hong Kong and Singapore are very safe, easy places to stop for a day on two in either/each direction. Since you've made the effort to get out and see some of the world, make the most of the opportunity.

It may also help if you stop watching TV shows like "Air Crash Investigation", and familiarise yourself with just how unlikely you are to be involved in a fatal plane crash - the odds are about 1:11 000 000, as opposed to 1:5000 of being involved in a fatal car accident, possibly on the way to the airport to catch your flight.

Enjoy your trip!

 

[Flying Fox]

a. Since you plan to fly Premium Economy, enjoy the food, wine & service as much as possible. This will assist in distracting you. Pretend you are in a nice restaurant and this may ease you nerves.

Also, if you have a hobbie that you can bring along do so.

My hobby is photography and generally I take photos of everything (drives my wife mad at times) on the plane (heck what else can I do). Maybe even start a travel diary for your trip.

Also take advantage of the movie & music selection on board.

Hope that you have a great trip.

 

[Dave Noble]

Hi To Everyone.

Thanks for reading my post.

I am 47 and have never been outside Australia. We are planning a trip later this year to France & Italy. If I manage to get the guts to go I have decided I must fly QANTAS & it must be premium economy. I think I would feel to claustrophobic in economy.

You cannot do all the trip on Qantas, you will need another airline from UK/DE to get to France or Italy

Given the price of premium economy with QF and your not liking flying, to see whether an airline such as Gulf/Etihad/Emirates has a business class fare that will be within budget. They are good airlines and should be able to reduce your flying time; rather than flying all the way to UK and all the way back to Italy, may be able to just go to somewhere like Dubai and continue without a circuitous routing

a. what do you do on a plane for 22 hours ? I think that could drive me batty.

eat and get bored. If you have a laptop, plug it in and watch DVDs is a way of passing time. Better (imo) than relying on what the airline IFE is offering plus doesn't get interrupted with announcements such as "we are going to be passing through flogging duty free"

b. I think (unreasonably) I prefer to fly during the day so the pilot can see what he is doing. Stupid I know.

Flying during the day is definitely my choice; I avoid night flights where I can like the plague. Flying QF to Europe by day can be done if you fly to Hong Kong, overnight in Hong Kong and then fly to UK and then to France/Italy

c I know premium economy is probably not worth it but I am doing this for my mental health.

If you can afford it premium economy, business and 1st are all worth it

d. Some say its better to break up the trip like stopping in Singapore over night and then resuming the next day. Others say just get it over with. Any thoughts ?

I prefer a break, it gets v tedious. Also, if you want to travel by day, you will almost certainly have to

I would suggest that you might be better going for an aisle seat; if you are anxious about being in a plane, being able to get about and move when you want to may be beneficial rather than being hemmed in

Dave

 

[NM]

c I know premium economy is probably not worth it but I am doing this for my mental health.

Then it is worth it! Your mental health is very important.

 

[NM]

You cannot do all the trip on Qantas, you will need another airline from UK/DE to get to France or Italy

In this cvase it may be worth flying with Qantas to Frankfurt and then using a Eurail pass to get around Europe. Trains quite effective transport through Germany, France and down into Italy. Buy a First Class Eurail pass before leaving Australia and the journey can be both cost effective and comfortable.

 

[Alanslegal]

Good luck with your travels Agent009 and enjoy all of it.

Once you take the plunge & see how wonderful travelling is, I'm sure you would want to experience more, more & more!


Have a read of my aged thread, there are some nice pointers in there:

http://www.frequentflyer.com.au/community/open-discussion/anyone-scared-of-flying-10234.html

 

[agent009]

Thanks everyone for your replies.

I have been reading them with much interest.

Yes Europe is probably a long way to go first time.

I still have not made up my mind re staying over night as I need to factor in the cost. I assume the flight will be more expensive.

BTW when you stop to refuel in Singapore, how long is the stop ? Can you stretch your legs at the airport ? Do they change cabin crew & pilots ?

THanks

 

[Evan]

They stop around 2 hours. They evict you from the plane so they can clean it also. You can get some real food in the airport etc
Not a bad break.
E

 

[Optics]

Thanks everyone for your replies.

I have been reading them with much interest.

Yes Europe is probably a long way to go first time.

I still have not made up my mind re staying over night as I need to factor in the cost. I assume the flight will be more expensive.

BTW when you stop to refuel in Singapore, how long is the stop ? Can you stretch your legs at the airport ? Do they change cabin crew & pilots ?

THanks

Regarding the staying overnight, I don't believe it would cost any extra, but others are better to answer that (I never pay for my flights, they are all through work). Staying would provide you a chance to see the place you stop, which seems to fit your need to see new countries etc., but I don't know that it will make the trip any easier really. I prefer to just get it all out of the way in one hit.

Yes, you do get to stretch your legs, as you are required to disembark taking all your possessions with you. Either of Singapore or Hong Kong are good airports to fill in some time and do not have onerous security requirements for transitting passengers.

And yes, they do change the pilots and crew at the stopover point.

Regarding what you do for 22 hours, I tend to eat, drink (probably too much ), watch movies and sleep (way too little ). I have just got back from a trip Mel to Berlin, departing on 7 July and returning 13 July, and managed to see all the movies on the IFE that really interested me, plus some that really did not. But if you split the outbound and inbound legs across 2 months, the movies will be changed and you should have ample to keep you from getting too bored.

Be brave and give it a go, I am sure you will really enjoy the trip, and the actual flight will not be that bad.

 

[NM]

BTW when you stop to refuel in Singapore, how long is the stop ? Can you stretch your legs at the airport ? Do they change cabin crew & pilots ?

Yes, new cabin crew and tech crew (pilots) for the second leg. Its usual that the crew operating the SIN-LHR sector are a London based crew (at least for the cabin crew).

 

[newflyer]

G'day Agent009,

Good on you for being so bold and taking up the challenge - your partner will love you even more for it (France AND Italy? Niiice!), and in the grand scheme of things, 22 hours (or however long it takes) is pretty small fry.

However, as an (ex) nervous flyer myself, I know how you must be feeling. See my earlier post on the topic here, but I can attest that it is possible to get over the anxiety and nervousness. (Indeed, I'm currently posting this as a means of putting off reconciling all my travel expenses over the last month, which included six return flights from Cbr to various capital cities!)

In regard to your specific questions:
- 22 hours is a long time, esp. if you can't sleep on aeroplanes (like myself; probably due to the fact that I'm continually 'on guard' and find it difficult to relax). All good suggestions so far - if in premium or biz class, enjoy the service. I often have a chat to the flight staff (use your discretion - not when they're flat out), most of whom are always happy for a yarn and some company.
In your case, may I suggest what NOT to do, and that is to concentrate on every sight, sound or sensation you hear in flight (all of which you will immediately infer as the start of something catastrophic!). Throughout the flight, the engines groan and growl, the hydruallics whinge and whine, the strobes flash and glow like flames, and the air passing over the wing can look like smoke. Just after take off, when the plane begins to level out, it often feels as though you're falling (which you're not) - it's all completely normal!
- Don't feel bad about "only" flying Qantas. It's exactly what I, and many other wannabe Rain Men, do. It is important to do WHATEVER makes you feel comfortable - and for, that comes from Qantas' record of safety and reliability.
- I try to fly early in the mornings (when it is generally calmer and smoother), but the night flights can often help in feeble attempts at sleep (see above).
- Again, if you can afford Premium Economy, or Business, go for it! It's a nice change, and certainly a much more comfortable way to go, and perhaps a better option for your first (and very considerable) flight?
- re breaking up the trip - I prefer to get it over and done with as quickly as possible, and used to worry that if I overnight it midway, there's a big chance once I get off, I wouldn't get back on again!

Hope that's helpful. This is a great site for information and (re)assurance, and I have gained HEAPS of help from the people here, so don't hesitate in asking for more if you need it. Of course, happy to provide more details if you'd like - just PM me.

Cheers,

Newflyer

 

[thegurio]

I cant add any more info than the others besides saying well done for getting the guts up to even think about it... My brother is scared of flying so instead of choosing that way to do get around the world he is investigating ways of cruising around the world - the only thing is he doesn't like boats either which is probably the reason why he does 100,000 kilometres a year in his car! Mind you we stuffed him up by moving to Tasmania!

As a way to stop the boredom and keep us amused you could always write a Trip Report... Just look at QF009's amusing anecdotes for a bit of ideas, and don't forget the feet shots!

 

[NYCguy]

... May I suggest what NOT to do, and that is to concentrate on every sight, sound or sensation you hear in flight (all of which you will immediately infer as the start of something catastrophic!). Throughout the flight, the engines groan and growl, the hydruallics whinge and whine, the strobes flash and glow like flames, and the air passing over the wing can look like smoke. Just after take off, when the plane begins to level out, it often feels as though you're falling (which you're not) - it's all completely normal!...

Unless you see the cabin crew looking worried, then there is no need to worry. I know a nervous flyer who is comforted by looking at the faces of the FA's as they sit strapped-in during takeoff/landing/turbulence.

 

[JohnK]

My brother is 41 and has never flown anywhere. Not because he is nervous but he has never had the desire.

I suffer from claustrophobia and still get very nervous and anxious before each flight, even short ones. I wish I could find a way to relax but I have found it almost impossible so for now the best solution for me is xanax and/or valium before the flight to keep me calm.

 

[egoode]

Rather than making your first flight a trip to Europe why don't you look at getting a cheap domestic flight on QANTAS and see how you go with your nervousness.

 

[Bundy Bear]

Hi To Everyone.

Thanks for reading my post.

I am 47 and have never been outside Australia. We are planning a trip later this year to France & Italy. If I manage to get the guts to go I have decided I must fly QANTAS & it must be premium economy. I think I would feel to claustrophobic in economy.

Here are my main concerns:

a. what do you do on a plane for 22 hours ? I think that could drive me batty. [

Sleep: eat; drink; walk around the plane; catch up on the movies; don't watch any movies that have just been released to video store a month or 2 before you fly and there will be plenty to watch.

b. I think (unreasonably) I prefer to fly during the day so the pilot can see what he is doing. Stupid I know.

Not at all; The only way to get day light flights is Sydney-Hong Kong then catch the earlier morning flight to London.
Return: fly QF 31 departing London in the morning and arriving back in Sydney the following evening.

Another option is fly to Singapore then fly onto Frankfurt; flying at night; the time goes faster as your body is more likely to want to sleep which shortens the trip somewhat, and yes the change the flight crew both the pilots and the FAs so at least you get a new set when you continue your flight to London.

c I know premium economy is probably not worth it but I am doing this for my mental health.

I think its worth it but the company wouldn't think it is worth it. Fly economy or don't fly at all. I think I can settle for economy.

d. Some say its better to break up the trip like stopping in Singapore over night and then resuming the next day. Others say just get it over with. Any thoughts ?

I would rather get the trip over and done with; especially if you have a tight schedule to keep. My last 2 trips to Europe in economy have been straight through. I survived; I caught up on some sleep and movies.

Honestly, I would love to travel just once and to experience other countries. I have read and downloaded stuff for scared flyers (eg from Virgin). I guess a lot of people dont love flying but see it as a means to a rewarding end.

I started as a nervous flyer I guess thats why I started reading the internet to get tips on what to expect, but the more flights you take the less nerves you get.

Oh; and if you are travelling overseas, get a passport. :idea:

And if you are nervous about flying I would suggest flying a short leg between the eastern capital cities at least then you will have some idea what to expect.

Oh and I get nervous if I don't have any flights booked.

 

[agent009]

THank you to all for your sincere replies, encouragement and reassurance. Trust me your kind words are very much appreciated.

To John K. I had not interest either, until recently. I think I want to go whilst I am able to get around and enjoy the sights.

To Newflyer. Your suggestions were great. We have saved for a trip for a few years, I would rather go economy, but what the heck I have never gone so will treat ourselves and save somewhere else. THanks for the info on the noises to expect.


I am going through the steps of planning hotels atm and that's kinda fun.

Cheers for now.

 

[ric_melb]

I am in agreement with what my fellow posters say, and encourage you to make this trip.
I would also advise you to investigate the Qantas Frequent Flyer scheme, or that of any other airline you choose to fly with.
You could earn enough points for a free flight, and if you get the travel bug, might get further free flights.