Panic Flying

Well done Ruby. Same here. I try to explain toy NT partner how stressful it is, but it's hard to convey having panic for 4/5 weeks before a trip is set to take off, sounds like an unlikely story to them. But it's entirely true and a physical reaction for me

Dont let the bastards keep you done. Open, honest communication, that's all we like! It's 'they' who live amongst smoke & mirrors

Faro, it was nice. Not really my sort of place but was nice to get away into some sunshine

Thanks Iain, this is a very generous answer. It went well, and I planned ok. But as I don't travel much I hadn't thought about much of that just through inexperience. I have Crohn's disease so much of the stress comes from potentially having to travel whilst ill. The way out was fine, but the way back I was a bit ill, so that ups the stress levels.

JT said:

Anyone else feel the same about flying? How do you manage it?

I do quite a lot of flying, mostly long haul and have a few approaches to help.

1 - plan, plan, plan.

Keep a list of the things you need to take and prepare them well in advance. Get your bags, padlocks, cargo pants (great for all the pockets), small toiletries etc and have then packed, weight checked and ready to go.

Keep a list of the documents and processes (eg check in) you need to have and set reminders of what things need to be done nearer the point of travel so they are all covered in a timely manner.

Consider any issues you are likely to encounter (missed connection, overbooked hotel etc) and have a backup plan for these.

Sort out travel money and tell the bank about where you are travelling if you will use your bank card. Also limit the amount in your account in case your card is cloned or stolen (have it somewhere you can transfer in case of emergency too).

Check all expiry date on things like passports, visas and credit/debit cards.

For short haul flights like Portugal I treat it just like a longish bus ride - go to the bathroom before you fly, if you worry about number 2s then take immodium so you won't go. Travel light and try to treat the travel like a part of the holiday so you won't worry about finding luggage space for your hand luggage. People watch for entertainment if you are not into reading a magazine or book.

The flight will inevitably have some turbulance and they are built to amazing tolerances which is why a crash is a rarity. Understand this and the rationalisation should help overcome any fear.

Accept it will be different to normal, embrace it and go with the flow. Getting uptight will only make your stress livels rise so maybe have a beer or glass of wine while you wait in the airport if this helps. It does for me, but keep it to one drink.

Last week I flew from Brazil - Paris - London then train to Glasgow and my local town on the west coast - 33 hours end to end and it went smoothly because I planned well and had luck on my side. By mentally preparing for it I found it wasn't stressful - uncomfortable and tiring yes but without stress.

If you know how to use mindfulness then it works incredibly well here - not everyone has the patience to use it but I recomment giving it a try,

for me it's all about strategy.

I plan trips and ask for accommodations, like early boarding,  and wear my NC headphones, black out eye mask, and earplugs.

I also make a chart of when I need to be there and give myself a lot fo time to do all of it: If my flight is a 5pm I am at the airport by 1:30. this gives me lots of time to acclimatize; if a connecting fight is calculated for under 1 hour I choose a later flight to avoid panic and hurry. 

I also research y location and make a holiday calendar, like an advent calendar but you can see all the days at once.

I also research the public transit options and study a map of the area, looking for good ways to get around and have the map in my head. Having the map in my head helps also in that I may be where there is no cell tower.

Now there is googlemaps., but they cannot determine bad neighborhoods and construction deviations.

Quiet cafes are a comfort zone for me. and libraries. I use then as bolt holes if things feel overwhelming. Finding a quiet cafe these days is hard, though. Libraries are still the same, overall. find something/place calming.

I don't book too much in one day.

there are many strategies. I am 70 so I've had lots of time to find what works. experiment.

One of the hardest things used to be the pat-down. I cringe at random groping and wimper, panic, fidget. Now they are all very nice and accommodating. Right after 9/11 it was hell.

Weirdly although I don’t enjoy the experience I can manage it because of what’s at the other end. Same returning home, I can’t wait to get back. I find being in a busy hotel, music and hundreds of voices all talking at the same time completely overwhelming. I cane back from Portugal not too long ago. Where abouts did you holiday in Portugal? 

What puts me off flying is the hassle of airport security, otherwise I love flying (preferably in first class or business class) - frankly, we autistics should get free upgrades to first class - I was always big into flying and aviation and a few years ago, having not been able to become a pilot, I tried to become cabin crew without success, applying to several airlines around the world despite being in the supermarkets at the time, long before my diagnosis - many who follow leftist ideologies thought that my dreams and ambitions were unrealistic, because they seek to hold people back and keep people down, a key part of all leftist/communist ideologies, which is why they pushed me towards an autism diagnosis because they thought that I was too vocal and too opinionated in an effort to silence me and shut me up, being the butt of their jokes - it’s one reason why I totally despise and hate leftism in general, because it ignores and dismisses merit 

I am the same. I do not enjoy flying and I am always anxious weeks beforehand. I went to St Lucia in May so I did it, but doesn't mean it was easy for me.

Impressive to have managed a Portugal trip. Respect!

I think I have got worse over the years. The lowest point is when I spent most of a trans-Atlantic flight hiding in the toilets.

I manage things okay, but much prefer travelling by train.