Never flown...

[Karen2005]

Has anyone else never flown/been in an aeroplane? I am 28 and have never flown.

My husband flew to Boston before he met me, but other than that he doesn't fly either. Although he didn't have a bad experience, he now has a fear of flying which he has passed to me! Before I met my husband I thought that I would take flying in my stride and just get on with it, but now I'm not sure if I want to be in an enclosed space with no chance of getting off!

We also have environmental reasons for not flying and feel that short-haul flights have a serious detrimental effect on the environment.

We have travelled to many places in France by TGV and to Inverness by sleeper train. I'm concerned that we are limiting ourselves as to where we can travel overland, but I'm not sure if I could ever get my husband on a plane. Does anyone else have experience of travelling extensively by train? We're thinking about going to Spain next. Anyone travelled to Barcelona by train?

[KebabMeister]

My first time in a plane was in 2000 and I was at the controls! lol After that I have been in many airlines. Before that though I used to travel mostly by National Express and it used to be a killer spending 17 hours to the Netherlands or Northern Ireland!!

[jammiedodger]

My friends mum had the same problem, she went to the doctors and told him she was going on holiday but was scared of flyin n he gave her some tablets that calmed her down n when she got back she was fine and has been on planes ever since!

[sddsddean]

The most dangerous part of a commercial flight Karen, is the drive to the airport!!

[ianess]

Flying's great! Just imagine sitting in a thin aluminium tube travelling at about 10 miles a minute, looking out and seeing the wings flexing in the breeze. All the time hoping that you'll never need to use the lifejacket.....after all nearly all aeroplanes come down to earth and hit concrete so what bl**dy use is a lifejacket anyway?

I've travelled through France, Belgium, Austria,Switzerland and Germany by train without any problems so far, but have you ever looked at the wheels and seen what little metal actually holds you onto the track?
Always assuming that it's good quality track in the first place....you can never tell.
Why not travel overland by coach? To keep prices down they pay their staff low wages and most things are held on by sticky tape or piano wire.
We don't travel far from home these days.....my wife has a fear of tunnels and bridges.
Whatever you decide......stay cool and have a good trip!

PS.....don't worry about the environment.....George W and his pal Tony have everything under control.

[markja]

i have a great fear of heights,but i am quite happy to get in a plane, they are so safe.

don't let a fear of something stop you living your life to the full. it is not a practice run it's the real thing.

tell the airline you have a fear, they are very sympathetic. as prev mentioned see your doc he can help.

i'm going to try parachuting behind a boat in the summer , my son is comming with me so i've got to be brave.

good luck with flying, it gets better each time

[HomerS1mpson]

My first flight was in 2000 too. At the age of 52. Loved it. But I want to go coast-to-coast either through Canada or the USA on a train. My friend it and she said it was fantastic. She did Canada.

[HomerS1mpson]

She did it, even! Doh!

[Playbill]

I have flown only once (well twice if you count the return journey) and that was nearly 30 years ago. It was a charter flight and I remember staring out at a wing for most of the outward flight ready to alert the crew if anything looked wrong - even though I was slightly sedated with alcohol. The plane was a Comet and obviously ex RAF as I could still see the old markings under a thin layer of paint.

Since then I have driven to most countries in mainland Europe and Scandinavia. I like driving, but two things have got me thinking that I may try this flying lark again. Firstly, looking at the cost of a flight to Spain and comparing it what I paid just in petrol, tolls and hotels. And second, a girlfriend who reckons it might be a bit of a problem driving to somewhere like the Indian Ocean or the USA for a holiday.

Mind you, the Queen Mary goes to America, but I think it is a bit more expensive than flying. So it may have to be some tranquillisers and the plane.

[claire85]

I absolutely LOVE flying! I get giddy with excitement- it's just so amazing! (I even love the on-board meals!!)

It really is the safest form of transport. Just give it a try, you won't know until you have a go. I'd try a short haul flight for your first time, if you're apprehensive. If you tell the cabin crew about your fear, they'll do all they can for you.

Have a great time!

[Drisgirl]

Know where you are coming from.Although I fly at least 4 times a year I still need a stiff one before getting on and then a large gin (only kidding).As long as I am relaxed and NOT ratted then I am fine.I even managed Cuba 18 mths ago with a stopover in Ottawa.If I can do it so can you - trust me.Its so worth it and saves so much time.I agree with Ianess you can delve too much into any form of transport - once youre on then thats it - dare you to pull the communication cord on the Eurostar in the Tunnel:)

[JoolsTwo]

I am clostraphobic (Hope I spelt that right) and hate flying, but have been to Oz twice, Thailand, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Canada twice and I am off there again in May (My daughter lives there so I don't have much choice). So I am sure that if I can do it, so can you. I don't enjoy the fights, but I bought myself a relaxation CD and that helps a lot. I am better on the long haul fights because they are bigger planes with 2 isles usually. Do tell the cabin crew you are nervous though, they are usually very good. Have a great holiday when you go.