I wish I was an eager flier. I'm not. Way, way back in the day I used to think it was fun and exciting. But then we weren't herded into packed airplanes with narrow seats, 3 abreast, and absolutely no legroom, feeling like sardines packed into a high class tin.
Also there was that one flight, in 1981, when we flew through a storm with 80 MPH winds on the ground and god knows what kind of craziness in the air, but the 747 (yes, that long ago...) suddenly turned into a roller coaster dipping from side to side and gaining and losing elevation for about an hour until we finally hit the ground (hard) and coasted to a much appreciated stop on the tarmac. But not before I lost my stomach a few times, utilizing that little "barf bag" in the seat back pocket. It was one of my life's most miserable and embarrassing episodes and put me off flying ever since.
So, I have a bit of PTSD whenever I arrive at the airport. I have tried a million ways to calm my pre-flight anxieties over the years and, once on the plane, I have to really WORK at staying calm. It's quite exhausting, actually.
A few days ago I decided to try some medication therapy. I always take a Dramamine, but I wondered if a little Xanax would help even more. I hit the Internet and saw dozens of sites and "chats" about my affliction and how others deal with it. Meditation (check), deep breathing (check), visualization (check), Dramamine (check), Xanax and the like (maybe?), alcohol (don't do that any more). Everyone had a "remedy" or at least a way to try to cope. Some had anxiety way more severe than mine, which unfortunately made me feel better (where's my compassion?).
So, I was prepared yesterday with a recommended cocktail of Dramamine (nausea), Xanax (anxiety), and Pepto Bismol (stomach acid). I really and truly HATE taking pills/medicine of any kind and especially those that "drug" me. But I felt I'd do it if I was desperate (it worked on our cruise last summer). But once I was on the plane, with only Dramamine in me, I decided to see how it went rather than put myself into a possibly unnecessary stupor.
Turns out it was one of the smoothest flights we've ever taken to Hawaii. I read (new Kindle -- love it!) all the way and there was no turbulence and I didn't get claustrophobic and all was well -- even if the last hour of the flight seemed to take forever. (By the way, may I recommend Alaska Airlines Boeing 737-800/900 series airplane? Roomy!!! Plug ins for devices and chargers!!!)
It's unclear to me why the many great flights I've taken cannot seem to compensate for that one really terrible one, but anxiety is a tricky thing and a cruel task master. I am learning to manage it, if not overcome it.
And thankfully this is the reward for persevering:
At least, that's the (literally!) view from here....©
I admire that you still fly after a flight like that. One way to look at it is that you've seen the worse, now everything else will be a piece of cake by comparison. From all I've heard Hawaii is well worth it. Hope you are having fun.
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