I am so desperate to travel the world, but...

[rskew]

I am an anxious flier, and I cannot imagine how hellish a flight to somewhere like Japan would be, any ideas? what I would do to pass the time for a long flight?

EDIT: Anyone else finds flying scary? what do you do? just panic the whole time?

[Ali Katt]

Take sleeping tablets before boarding

[TrampZ]

Have you thought about trying hypnotherapy?

[FLYING BLUE]

I am an anxious flier, and I cannot imagine how hellish a flight to somewhere like Japan would be, any ideas? what I would do to pass the time for a long flight?

EDIT: Anyone else finds flying scary? what do you do? just panic the whole time?

Several airlines (including one, London based, that used to mean something to me years ago) offer excellent 'nervous flyer" or "fear of flying" courses.
I have personal experience in this area and can recommend them to you.
Good luck
FB

[DastardlyDick]

I  believe both BA and Easjjet offer "fear of flying" events.

[Stevelondon]

I get anxious about flying.
I needed to fly somewhere in a bit of a hurry once and could not get into business class.
The bloody stress of flying economy nearly did me in I can tell you. 😂

But seriously. A friend of a friend said she could never fly because of her fear. Hypnotherapy worked really well for her and she’s never looked back.

Perhaps that should be “Never looked down”
But you catch my drift. 

[mr.bluesky]

Just remember you are more likely to die in a car crash than a plane crash . Flying is the safest way to travel if that's any help .

[Jomoore]

I am an anxious flier, and I cannot imagine how hellish a flight to somewhere like Japan would be, any ideas? what I would do to pass the time for a long flight?

If safety is the concern, just bear in mind that 99% of the risk arises during take-off and landing, so London to Tokyo is about the same risk as London to Manchester.
If the concern is other passengers, noise cancelling headphones should help.
And on most long haul overnight flights most people do try to get their heads down, so noise/ light etc decreases a lot. 

[rskew]

If safety is the concern, just bear in mind that 99% of the risk arises during take-off and landing, so London to Tokyo is about the same risk as London to Manchester.

wait, are you serious? that doesnt sound right lol.

[JontyR]

When did you last fly OP?

Long haul is a different kettle of fish than it was 30 years ago in terms of inflight entertainment options. I'm not a great flyer but I treat it like a trip to the cinema and enjoy the fact I am not in constant contact with the rest of the world.

[rskew]

When did you last fly OP?

Long haul is a different kettle of fish than it was 30 years ago in terms of inflight entertainment options. I'm not a great flyer but I treat it like a trip to the cinema and enjoy the fact I am not in constant contact with the rest of the world.

been a few months, it was to central Europe and it was only 2 hours. I do not want to fly for 14 hours, because the longer the flight, the higher chance it could drop out of the sky lol scary shit.

[Bopcrown]

I am an anxious flier, and I cannot imagine how hellish a flight to somewhere like Japan would be, any ideas? what I would do to pass the time for a long flight?

EDIT: Anyone else finds flying scary? what do you do? just panic the whole time?

Bring a Kindle or tablet and read for the flight.
Take snacks, that the airline wont provide
Make sure to book an aisle seat so you can use the toilet, or stretch out a bit
Stay up late/get up early, so your internal clock matches the destination

And to keep it on topic, If you're interested in Japan, Visit Osaka's "Shinodayama Shinchi" District.
Like Amsterdams windows, but Women in front parlours, who you will take you upstairs for "A private meal at their restaurant"
Wipe clean english menus and they even give you a lollipop when you leave.

A definite place to visit if you're planning an international punt.

[mr.bluesky]

been a few months, it was to central Europe and it was only 2 hours. I do not want to fly for 14 hours, because the longer the flight, the higher chance it could drop out of the sky lol scary shit.

Nonsense - planes don't just drop out of the sky 🙄

[hairdownthere]

been a few months, it was to central Europe and it was only 2 hours. I do not want to fly for 14 hours, because the longer the flight, the higher chance it could drop out of the sky lol scary shit.

Last year 86 people died in plane crashes worldwide, on average 148 die in an hour on the roads. 

External Link/Members Only

The chances of being in a plane crash are so miniscule to not be worth worrying about, though I'm a frequent flier (30 odd flights this year so far), probably about 1000 flights in my life so far.  Only once have I had a brown trouser moment, landing in Dublin in high winds on a smallish prop plane where the pilot had to abandon the landing at last moment and go round again.

[rskew]

Nonsense - planes don't just drop out of the sky 🙄

one did few weeks ago in Brazil. there is a video of it just going down looked awful.

[David1970]

One of the best flights I had was 17 hours non stop Auckland to Dubai with Emirates.

Once did the flight Auckland to LA, doctor friend of mine gave me sleeping pills, I fell asleep just after take off and the flight attendant woke me up as we started our decent in to LA. I would try sleeping pills, but you will be awake for take off and landing.

[myothernameis]

Nonsense - planes don't just drop out of the sky 🙄

Ryan air flight trying to land at midlands airport in a crosswind, pilot done an amazing job, of getting passengers down safely

External Link/Members Only

[mr.bluesky]

one did few weeks ago in Brazil. there is a video of it just going down looked awful.

True- a tragic accident that will be fully investigated but it will be almost certainly be down to a mechanical failure of some sort. It could take weeks or  months to find the cause.  You can be sure that every operator of this type of aircraft will be checking their aircraft with a fine tooth comb and checking maintenance records.

[DastardlyDick]

Ryan air flight trying to land at midlands airport in a crosswind, pilot done an amazing job, of getting passengers down safely

External Link/Members Only

Jesus! I didn't know 737s did VSTOL - well done that pilot.

[mr.bluesky]

Ryan air flight trying to land at midlands airport in a crosswind, pilot done an amazing job, of getting passengers down safely

External Link/Members Only

It would be impressive if it was real but it looks fake.

[RadioKid]

Had a few awful trips this summer with EasyJet.

Attracts some of the worst people who just ruin it for everyone
Really can't understand why Airports don't ban Alcohol before and during flights

[David1970]

Had a few awful trips this summer with EasyJet.

Attracts some of the worst people who just ruin it for everyone
Really can't understand why Airports don't ban Alcohol before and during flights

They make too much money from alcohol, the owners of the airports make most of their money from renting units and in some cases getting a percentage of sales as well.

To many passengers think their holiday starts at the airport and their holiday consists off getting pissed.

On a flight to Dubai once, just before the flight took off, the cabin crew asked a lady sitting next to me to swap seats with a man. Turned out the man put next to me was pissed and had been harassing the lady who had been seated next to him. I had the twat beside me for 9 hours, why the twat was not threw off the flight before take off I don’t know?

[advent2016]

I am an anxious flier, and I cannot imagine how hellish a flight to somewhere like Japan would be, any ideas? what I would do to pass the time for a long flight?

EDIT: Anyone else finds flying scary? what do you do? just panic the whole time?

The most dangerous bit about flying is the drive to the airport or tripping on way to the gate.
If you book first class (I invariable do) you get a limo from your door to the airport (hopefully reducing the first problem), quickly through security to the lounge where you can get a shower, massage and a Michelin meal.
Get on the plane and soon after takeoff make the bed completely flat and sleep the whole flight with noise cancelling headphones.

I've been to Japan many  times and love the place and people.

[ulstersubbie]

I'm flying to Beijing next month, with a 14 hour layover in Abu Dhabi. I find it hard to sleep on planes, so hopefully catch a nap at the airport. Like other members, I've never had a fear of flying, but long haul flights are exhausting especially when you're older.

[timsussex]

They make too much money from alcohol, the owners of the airports make most of their money from renting units and in some cases getting a percentage of sales as well.

To many passengers think their holiday starts at the airport and their holiday consists off getting pissed.
....

Always astonished me to see how many people were downing pints at 6 or 7 in the morning in the airport Wetherspoons

[Jomoore]

one did few weeks ago in Brazil. there is a video of it just going down looked awful.

Like I said above, most of the (few) accidents that occur happen on take-off and landing, like the one you mention.

[magpie252]

I do not want to fly for 14 hours, because the longer the flight, the higher chance it could drop out of the sky lol scary shit.

Not true at all, back in the day to get approval for trans Atlantic flights you needed more than 2 engines,  hence you planes like the tri-star, 747 etc.
Modern dual engine jets can now get type approval for transatlantic

[Stevelondon]

Had a few awful trips this summer with EasyJet.

Attracts some of the worst people who just ruin it for everyone
Really can't understand why Airports don't ban Alcohol before and during flights

Hoy…… I pay a lot for my flights mate. I want nice wine with my meals and the chance to stand at the bar when I want to stretch my legs.

You get drunken idiots everywhere so it’s up to staff/security to deal with things. Not deny me anything. 👍🏻

[RandomGuy99]

Have you considered getting tranquilised by your mates and then be carried onto the plane and wake up at your destination?

It worked for BA, so you just need to find The A Team (cue music).

[myothernameis]

Had a few awful trips this summer with EasyJet.

Attracts some of the worst people who just ruin it for everyone
Really can't understand why Airports don't ban Alcohol before and during flights

With regards airports and passengers drinking as much as they want, Michael O'Leary want this changed.  He wants a max of 2 drinks per passenger before they board there flights.  But Tim Martin of Witherspoons is objecting to this, and slamming Michael O'Leary for this

But who is responsible for making sure passengers are not intoxicated, and therefore should not be allowed to fly.  Right now this lies with the airlines, but sometimes they miss the sign of this, and allow passengers slightly intoxicated onto the airplane

Now you have the potential of problems to occur, and then trouble kicks of, and the airplane has to divert to the nearest airport

If you work in pub or supermarket, and you allow or serve someone with alcohol who is intoxicated, you can be arrested and charged and the premises can lose there licence to sell alcohol

[southcoastpunter]

Had a few awful trips this summer with EasyJet.

Attracts some of the worst people who just ruin it for everyone
Really can't understand why Airports don't ban Alcohol before and during flights

are you a Politician? - coming up with the wrong solution to a real problem.

[timsussex]

Not true at all, back in the day to get approval for trans Atlantic flights you needed more than 2 engines,  hence you planes like the tri-star, 747 etc.
Modern dual engine jets can now get type approval for transatlantic

Doesnt that rather prove his point ?  in that the authorities were concerned they would drop out of the sky if one engine failed

The fact that modern planes are allowed on transatlantic routes is based more on their ability to fly on on one engine far enough to reach an alternative airfield. The ETOPS limit has been gradually increased and may be up to 4 hours
If you look at the Transatlantic routes they fly surprising little over water  and are rarely more than an hour from land 
 

[alabama1]

Doesnt that rather prove his point ?  in that the authorities were concerned they would drop out of the sky if one engine failed

The fact that modern planes are allowed on transatlantic routes is based more on their ability to fly on on one engine far enough to reach an alternative airfield. The ETOPS limit has been gradually increased and may be up to 4 hours
If you look at the Transatlantic routes they fly surprising little over water  and are rarely more than an hour from land

Then why can i see fuck all but sea for 8 hours when i fly to the USA from the UK ? ( Keyword being 'Transatlantic') 

[daviemac]

Then why can i see fuck all but sea for 8 hours when i fly to the USA from the UK ? ( Keyword being 'Transatlantic') 

If you sit on the starboard side of the plane you can see Greenland as you fly past. 

[timsussex]

here is the track of my last flight


Hidden Image/Members Only

[daviemac]

here is the track of my last flight


Hidden Image/Members Only

Yeah, Klingons Greenland off the starboard bow. 

[alabama1]

If you sit on the starboard side of the plane you can see Greenland as you fly past. 

Thanks for that. I will look out for it on my visit to Mexico in November. I wonder why it is called ' starboard' ?

[alabama1]

here is the track of my last flight


Hidden Image/Members Only

Aah yes, now i see 

[myothernameis]

here is the track of my last flight

Hidden Image/Members Only

How long was this flight, with myself going to New York next year, and my flight is around 8 hours, but flight path totally different from yours



Hidden Image/Members Only

[alabama1]

How long was this flight, with myself going to New York next year, and my flight is around 8 hours, but flight path totally different from yours



Hidden Image/Members Only

It wont be different, it will be exactly the same

[chrishornx]

It wont be different, it will be exactly the same

No it won't

[chrishornx]

Then why can i see fuck all but sea for 8 hours when i fly to the USA from the UK ? ( Keyword being 'Transatlantic') 

well that all depends on where you fly to in the states obviously

[alabama1]

well that all depends on where you fly to in the states obviously

I can't imagine the flight path over the Atlantic will be any different, regardless of your destination in the US 

[chrishornx]

If you look at the Transatlantic routes they fly surprising little over water  and are rarely more than an hour from land

simply because that is the most efficient route to fly

[timsussex]

If you look at great circle mapper for the shortest difference between 2 points on the earth most people are surprised its a curve not a straight line; actual flight paths often curve even further north to avoid storms in the Atlantic
 Heres an actual flight path to New York - but you would need pretty good eysight to see Greenland

Hidden Image/Members Only

[magpie252]

I wonder why it is called ' starboard' ?

It comes from Steer Board, ie before ships had a central rudder, ships were steered by a board attached to the right side of the ship.
Port is the left side ie the side that you tied up to the dock without risking damage to your steering

[alabama1]

It comes from Steer Board, ie before ships had a central rudder, ships were steered by a board attached to the right side of the ship.
Port is the left side ie the side that you tied up to the dock without risking damage to your steering

[chrishornx]

It comes from Steer Board, ie before ships had a central rudder, ships were steered by a board attached to the right side of the ship.
Port is the left side ie the side that you tied up to the dock without risking damage to your steering

and that leads to the term posh

[rskew]

The most dangerous bit about flying is the drive to the airport or tripping on way to the gate.
If you book first class (I invariable do) you get a limo from your door to the airport (hopefully reducing the first problem), quickly through security to the lounge where you can get a shower, massage and a Michelin meal.
Get on the plane and soon after takeoff make the bed completely flat and sleep the whole flight with noise cancelling headphones.

I've been to Japan many  times and love the place and people.

wow your pay cheques must dwarf mine. lol. I do not think I can afford a first flight to japan.

[timsussex]

Carefully playing the credit card game can reduce the cost of Business or Upperclass flights from £3.5k to £1k 
or less
as noted above its a lot less stress, quieter more space - just generally more civilised
The only snag is you won't want to travel economy afterwards