A couple of questions from a nervous flyer

Hey, I am travelling to from LHR to LAX in september and back from JFK to LHR. A couple of things. First any general information about what you think the flight will be like will be great. I am on an airbus 34-600. Second. We are in economy both legs. But the first one says class X and the second class N what is the difference? Thirdly do you think the flight will be busy on Sept 4th and Sept 27th? Fourthly. I cannot stand plane food. Would I be able to buy something from marks and spencers after security and take it on board with me to eat?

Welcome

1 - Have a look at some of the Trip Reports for your particular flights / route.

2 - X and N are fare codes that relate to the Economy cabin. It is not some sort of special cabin / area within Economy that gets you extra services / things. The fare terms etc are different in terms of flying club miles awarded and the ability to change tickets etc. The 'fare codes' tab on the left hand side gives more info. Use the seat ratings on here and the comments on http://www.seatguru.com and http://www.seatexpert.com to help you choose your seats.

3 - No Idea but some other members might be able to check using expert flyer - if you join this site as a paying member you get a number of free searches. But its a long time till September so a quiet flight now can soon change.

4 - You can take anything you buy AFTER security onto the plane with you - as long as it fits in with the hand luggage restrictions ! But you will have to buy 'cold' food as I don't think the crew will be able to heat anything up for you.

[Darren Wheeler]

Hi Lisa. Welcome to V-Flyer [y]

The class X & N refers to the ticket bucket it came from. In-flight there will be no difference to you.

Expert Flyer is showing the flight as all but empty, however there is a long time to go so it could fill up.

There's no M&S in T3 after security, but you should find plenty of other places to get food at if you with. You could also get it before, just remember to the 100ml rule for liquids, so no large pots of yougurt etc. [:)]

Thanks for the advice guys. I feel like if I get as much info as possible I'll feel better. Such a terrified flyer [:I]

[honey lamb]

There isn't a Marks and Spencer in T3 after security. It's in the Arrivals area

See the terminal maps

If you are that scared of flying how about doing a course?

I did a google search and these (and others came up)

http://www.flyingwithoutfear.info/thecourses.htm

http://www.aviatours.co.uk/

http://www.fearfreeflying.co.uk/fear-flying-course.html

A chat with your GP might help too.

quote:Originally posted by honey lamb
There isn't a Marks and Spencer in T3 after security. It's in the Arrivals area

See the terminal maps


Oh I thought I'd read there was somewhere. My Bad. Anyway I'm sure boots food will do just fine.

quote:Originally posted by tontybear
If you are that scared of flying how about doing a course?

I did a google search and these (and others came up)

http://www.flyingwithoutfear.info/thecourses.htm

http://www.aviatours.co.uk/

http://www.fearfreeflying.co.uk/fear-flying-course.html

A chat with your GP might help too.




I would do a course but I cannot really afford it. Last time I flew the doc gave me valium but to be honest it didn't really help, and I'd rather do without being drugged up at the start of my holiday of a lifetime

quote:Originally posted by lisanaomi
quote:Originally posted by honey lamb
There isn't a Marks and Spencer in T3 after security. It's in the Arrivals area

See the terminal maps


Oh I thought I'd read there was somewhere. My Bad. Anyway I'm sure boots food will do just fine.


Boots doesn't really have too much to offer - Eat has a much better selection of food airside.

[:)]

[Darren Wheeler]

If you have an iPhone or iPod Touch, VS do a Fear of Flying app for 2.99.

quote:Originally posted by Darren Wheeler
If you have an iPhone or iPod Touch, VS do a Fear of Flying app for 2.99.


Alas I have neither. Everywhere I look says inform the airline if you are nervous flyer. How do I go about doing this, at check in. Is it not weird to randomly go up to someone and tell them I am a nervous flyer

quote:Originally posted by lisanaomi
quote:Originally posted by Darren Wheeler
If you have an iPhone or iPod Touch, VS do a Fear of Flying app for 2.99.


Alas I have neither. Everywhere I look says inform the airline if you are nervous flyer. How do I go about doing this, at check in. Is it not weird to randomly go up to someone and tell them I am a nervous flyer


It might be a good idea to contact Special Assistance for information and advice.

Sept 4 is two days before Labor Day - this flight could fill up as US citizens want to return home for the holiday, but they'd probably do that before.

As said, for flight tips search on LAX in the trip reports forum, there are lots for LAX, more in UC than Y but you should see some. Just extend the search to a year, not the default.

I defer to others, having never done it, but can't you take food through security if it doesn't fall foul of any rules, which usually apply to the importing of food into the US, not the consumption on board? And liquids larger than 100ml purchased after security can be taken on board.

[Scrooge]

Hi Lisa, welcome aboard.

What part of flying on a plane makes you nervous ?

quote:Originally posted by Scrooge
Hi Lisa, welcome aboard.

What part of flying on a plane makes you nervous ?


Just everything really. I'm scared of crashing (I know its irrational)I'm scared of being trapped, I'm scared of getting ill (not as in air sickness as in things being passed through the aircon). I'm scared of geting a panic attack. Just general fear really. I know some of that sounds a bit silly.

[honey lamb]

quote:Originally posted by lisanaomi
quote:Originally posted by Scrooge
Hi Lisa, welcome aboard.

What part of flying on a plane makes you nervous ?


Just everything really. I'm scared of crashing (I know its irrational)I'm scared of being trapped, I'm scared of getting ill (not as in air sickness as in things being passed through the aircon). I'm scared of geting a panic attack. Just general fear really. I know some of that sounds a bit silly.

Not silly at all. It's very real for you.

I would urge you to take Tinkerbelle's advice and contact Special Assistance. They will make sure that a note is made on your reservation and if the crew know they will keep a close eye on you. Even if you do have a panic attack you won't be the first nor the last passenger to do so, although that is probably no help to you

Hi lisanaomi - have you flown long haul on a widebody aircraft before?

You'll find that even in economy there is quite a sense of space in the cabin compared with short haul jets. Plus, the ride in a larger plane often feels more gentle for some reason. The A340-600 is a very new, safe, state of the art aircraft - plus you will have a pretty decent entertainment system to help take your mind off things - just get lost in a movie or three! Or my personal favourite recommendation - a nice strong drink before boarding [:)]

We took homemade sarni's and some nana's with us on our trip to Venice this year with no problem. Just remember that what-ever you take and not eat will have to be dumped before you go through customs in USA.

My husband really fears flying and gets something from the doctor that isn't so strong as Vallium but unfortunately we can't remember the name of it just know. Best wishes for your holiday, We love America.[:D]

quote:Originally posted by Justinraff
Hi lisanaomi - have you flown long haul on a widebody aircraft before?

You'll find that even in economy there is quite a sense of space in the cabin compared with short haul jets. Plus, the ride in a larger plane often feels more gentle for some reason. The A340-600 is a very new, safe, state of the art aircraft - plus you will have a pretty decent entertainment system to help take your mind off things - just get lost in a movie or three! Or my personal favourite recommendation - a nice strong drink before boarding [:)]


I have been to New York twice before, but not LA which I know is a MUCH longer flight. And I know when I went to New York there was quite a lot of turbulence both times which still worries me. I'm thinking I will be having a drink before I get on the plane, my flights not until 3 something pm so its more than an acceptable time to do so I have been told to take a few different things to keep my mind busy as well so I'll be making use of the entertainment system but Im going to take a book and my DS too.

If you have an iPod/Mp3 player - fill it up with your favourite music as it will also help to take your mind off flying.

I once read in a book about flying that if you don't like turbulence, close your eyes and imagine you're driving along a cobbled street. That probably doesn't help you but I thought I'd share it.

Also don't think of LAX as a much longer flight as it will play on your mind quite a bit. I once flew to NYC in 8.5 hours and once to LAX in 10 hours so it can be as little as 1.5 hours difference depending on routing etc.

quote:Originally posted by Tinkerbelle
Also don't think of LAX as a much longer flight as it will play on your mind quite a bit. I once flew to NYC in 8.5 hours and once to LAX in 10 hours so it can be as little as 1.5 hours difference depending on routing etc.


Ahhh that makes me feel a little better, thanks tinkerbelle

quote:Originally posted by lisanaomi
Thanks for the advice guys. I feel like if I get as much info as possible I'll feel better. Such a terrified flyer [:I]


My ex was also a nervous flyer and flying with Virgin got him over it.
I know quoting safety statistics won't work, as fear of flying is to some extent an irrational fear, but one of things that helped the ex was being told that flying isn't an 'experiment', it's something that happens day in day out with sound principles behind it.

Knowing what all the noises, bumps and beeps mean can also help as it takes away that unknown...

You've still got several months before your flight, I wish you well!

Hi Lisanaommi, I agree with the advice given about contacting customer services guys don't vs have an overcoming fear of flying channel on the radio that has meditation/breathing exercises on? that might help...

Would suggest during the flight itself to make sure you have things to keep you occupied, a good book youo want to read, an ipod, even a portable DVD player in case the films on board arent to your liking. Drink plenty of water to keep hydrated

Personally would suggest avoiding alcohol as can increase anxiety levels, but if you do, make sure drink even more water to compensate. If you generally don't like food on a plane maybe select a vegetarian option, may be a pleasant alternative