Second VS Flight, Nervous Transatlantic flyer

I'm due to fly on my second ever VS flight in about 5 days from JFK (VS046 on the 8th, JFK-LHR) and I'm pretty much fine with the short flights, but with the long haul stuff I'm a total nervous wreck beforehand. I'm flying alone in Economy (bucket X I believe) and I'm really looking for advice on ways to make the flight more comfortable / manageable for a solo flier.

I'm kind of hoping in vain that one of the many helpful VS CC I've seen post on here may be flying that route, but I know the probability is pretty low.

I've actually got to make the reverse flight a little over a week later again which I'm trying not to think about too much yet - that one's VS003 on the 16th going LHR-JFK in Economy again.

Thanks in advance to anyone who can offer any help in any way, I really do appreciate it,

Mark

[Neil]

It's a really tough one on how to advise as it is such a personal thing, and only you know really how bad you get and what your exact fears are. The one thing I would say is to contact Virgin before hand and let them know, also mention it at check in, the gate and to the CC member looking after your area when you get on the a/c. The more people who know and who can help influence the type of on board experience and journey you have the better.

Neil.

You could try and see your GP to get a sedative but not everyone wants to do that and they dont always work.

Take some familiar things with you - favourite music on your music player and book(s)etc to read. Crosswords and other puzzles will also help to keep your brain occupied with other things. Reading your NYC guide book to give yourself something to look forward to will help too.

Flying solo is generally no big deal. I am an inverterate solo flyer and much prefer it as I only have to think about myself and not have to worry about anyone else. That might be selfish but it does have advantages - a seat move to an exit row so someone else could sit next to their friend for example.

A couple of other tips I would suggest include filling in the green waiver form and the customs form on the ground at LHR as your less likely to make a mistake. (I assume you have done your ESTA)

Above all try and enjoy the flight and look forward to what you will be doing in NYC - that will help your flight go quicker.

In addition to Neil's comments, would recommend, despite what others say, not drinking any alcohol or caffeine, why increase your body's tention by the effects of caffeine or alcohol rushes. Keep well hydrated by drinking lots of water.

May not help avert your nerves, Neil's suggestion will help there by others reassuring you, but it won't make it any worse

whoops ! misread your journey

read an england guidebook and forget about the green waiver form !

I agree with Neil, make sure VS are aware that you are a nervous pax, also I would recommend trying to get the bulkhead seats (they won't give you the exit seats if you are nervous) that will give you some more room and won't make you feel so restricted.

Hope your flight goes well, make sure you have lots to do, read, ipod etc and the time will go by in no time.

Dominic

Mark,

I used to suffer in the same way - I nearly jumped off a flight to San Fran once as the doors were closing! I've developed coping strategies to the point I don't mind much now. I just did my first solo trip to LA and back and it was fine. I would definitely tell the crew - they can be very reassuring. I have used prescription drugs from my GP - took the edge off and helped me sleep on the plane. I've also had a couple of shorts at the airport, again to take the edge off. I know it's not wise but whatever gets you through..
I agree with everyone else, have some music (I like to have some comedy on my mp3 player, I find it comforting), and a good book. You don't say if there's anything in particular you are nervous of - in my case it's turbulence. If it happens now I just count backwards for two minutes. Sounds daft but alot of the time it will have passed by then. It's just a coping thing.

You'll probably have a great flight. And travelling alone you never know who you might meet...
Be interested to know how you get on.

Jon

Thanks for the advice so far, I'll call Virgin asap - is there a specific number/department I should try and get through to for this?

The absolute worst times for me are probably takeoff and landing, beyond that I just have this constant fear of something going wrong, or there being a problem when we're so far from land. I'm not sure exactly what I'm expecting to go wrong but it just makes me start panicking at the slightest thing once we're away from land.

What also worries me is embarrassing myself in front of other passengers and crew if I get really bad and have a panic attack or something mid-flight.

Thanks again all,
Mark

I wouldn't recommend any sedatives or anything, cos if (god forbid) something happens you may be away with the faries reducing your chances of getting out.
try something natural like (not sure if they have them in the states) but rescue remedy, or whilst over here pop into a boots and get some, they calm you down.

You could try to get a seat as far forward as possible.
Common turbulence is no threat to a plane but can be disturbing and you feel it less when further forward.
It helps to know beforehand when and where in the flight it is likely - you can find out just before you fly here.

Knowing what to expect beforehand does help, a lot of the fear is from the unknown, unknown noises, unknown movement: you can find out before and knowing you are not alone helps - there are sites here and herewith lots of information.

If your Doctor suggests medication - use it. It will NOT disable you in that most unlikely possibility of an emergency - it will make you more able to cope.

Flying is the safest form of transport but one of the most feared - just because it is the most unknown.

Finally Virgin run a fantastic course to help.

Hi

I understand all about your fear - I didn't fly for the first 44 years of my life!

I first flew long haul with VA in November 2007 on a trip from LHR to JFK. I have since repeated that trip last February and in 3 weeks time we're flying with VA to San Francisco !!

I do have some diazepam from my GP which are more of a security blanket than anything. I know that they are there if I begin to feel panicky, and I know they will calm me down.

Like you, my worst times are take-off and landing - though the bit inbetween can also be daunting! Keeping my mind occupied is the key for me. I always take some magazines / newspapers with me to read at these times as there is no IFE or electrical gadgets allowed on. Puzzle magazines also keep you occupied - you can't do a puzzle / read and panic at the same time!

Then during the flight I find it hard to concentrate on long films - my mind tends to start to wander so I try and watch half hour comedies / documentaries etc - plus the in-flight quiz and hangman are great fun! I also have a Nintendo DS and have just bought myself 3 new games that I really wanted for the trip to SFO. I haven't tried them yet - I'm leaving them till I'm onboard!

I did inform the Virgin Special Assistance department before my first VA flight that I was a nervous passenger - but that information didn't seem to get through to the cabin crew so make sure you tell them when you board.

I hope all goes well for you - getting on a plane was the best thing I ever did. It changed my life completely, but I totally understand how you feel.

Let us know how you get on!

Just got off the phone with a lovely woman at the VS special assistance department who was very understanding, and has put a note on the booking for me. Now I've just got to make sure I mention it at check-in etc on the day.

It was reassuring how caring and pleasant all the people I spoke with on the phone today were, it makes a huge difference when you're panicking and freaking out - I'm somewhat more settled for now at least, so I can focus on the packing etc I need to get done before the flight, and not be as preoccupied for the time being.

quote:Originally posted by MigrantMark
The absolute worst times for me are probably takeoff and landing, beyond that I just have this constant fear of something going wrong, or there being a problem when we're so far from land. I'm not sure exactly what I'm expecting to go wrong but it just makes me start panicking at the slightest thing once we're away from land.
What also worries me is embarrassing myself in front of other passengers and crew if I get really bad and have a panic attack or something mid-flight.
Thanks again all,
Mark


Noise cancelling headphones, will help iron-out your want to grab on any change in noises etc and also let you immerse yourself in a film/ music/ audio book.[y]

Some vigorous excerise before you leave for the airport, also when there if possible, keep yourself busy at departure to stop sitting and dwelling on the flight. As mentioned avoid caffiene [:0], personnaly find couple of swift G&T do take the edge off, but like all things in moderation, hammer-it and you'll regret it [:$].

I personnally need a mixing bucket for the pills I take before leaving home for a flight, for similar anxiety related travel, trust me I know through experience... having been ambulanced out of MAN [:0], but that was a decade ago & love it now and once found what works, fully international.

You're not on your own, you'll be surprised how many people have similar issues but just don't let on.[:I]

Keep us posted with how you get on.
NH

quote:Originally posted by northernhenry
quote:Originally posted by MigrantMark
The absolute worst times for me are probably takeoff and landing, beyond that I just have this constant fear of something going wrong, or there being a problem when we're so far from land. I'm not sure exactly what I'm expecting to go wrong but it just makes me start panicking at the slightest thing once we're away from land.
What also worries me is embarrassing myself in front of other passengers and crew if I get really bad and have a panic attack or something mid-flight.
Thanks again all,
Mark


Noise cancelling headphones, will help iron-out your want to grab on any change in noises etc and also let you immerse yourself in a film/ music/ audio book.[y]

Some vigorous excerise before you leave for the airport, also when there if possible, keep yourself busy at departure to stop sitting and dwelling on the flight. As mentioned avoid caffiene [:0], personnaly find couple of swift G&T do take the edge off, but like all things in moderation, hammer-it and you'll regret it [:$].

I personnally need a mixing bucket for the pills I take before leaving home for a flight, for similar anxiety related travel, trust me I know through experience... having been ambulanced out of MAN [:0], but that was a decade ago & love it now and once found what works, fully international.

You're not on your own, you'll be surprised how many people have similar issues but just don't let on.[:I]

Keep us posted with how you get on.
NH


And I thought it was only me that needed tranquilising! I was similar, nearly bolted out of the still open cabin door on the tarmac once. But now I'm fine, especially if flying in PE/UC.

TikiJon

Just got online again in England, still on a strange sleep pattern though. It was definitely an eventful flight for me, had a few full blown panic attacks along the way and may have slightly worried the couple sat next to me, but I can't speak highly enough of the wonderful cabin crew who were on board and made sure I was doing OK throughout the flight.

Once I'm less tired I'll write up a proper TR on it in detail, but definitely glad to have had such an excellent crew who took very good care of me.

quote:Originally posted by MigrantMark
Just got online again in England, still on a strange sleep pattern though. It was definitely an eventful flight for me, had a few full blown panic attacks along the way and may have slightly worried the couple sat next to me, but I can't speak highly enough of the wonderful cabin crew who were on board and made sure I was doing OK throughout the flight.

Once I'm less tired I'll write up a proper TR on it in detail, but definitely glad to have had such an excellent crew who took very good care of me.


Good on you!

The more you do, the better it will be...[y][y]

NH

Drink plenty of herbal tea's and other hot drinks you like but avoiding the caffine. Try and find a quiet spot in the terminal. After passport control turn right after the customs desk and enter the watch shop, there is additional seating in a quieter area away from the masses.