flyfskm
06-05-2003, 08:19 PM
My daughter and I will be flying back home to Virginia this weekend from California to be in my best friend's wedding. Is there anything I can do to help calm her fears about airplanes? It's not the plane itself because she's around them all the time (my hubby is in the Air Force), it's take-off and landing that scares the crap out of her. We bought her a video made for kids about flying but it seems nothing will help.
BTW, she has Autism, OCD, and PDD so she's easily upset. :(
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BTW, she has Autism, OCD, and PDD so she's easily upset. :(
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tagger
06-05-2003, 11:51 PM
I work for an airline and have run into this problem a few times. One incident was an autistic boy. The parents made sure that he was given whatever meds he needed 2 hours in advance. A lot of Captains will come to the departure lounge before flight time but don't count on it. Another tip is "something old and something new". An old faithful teddy bear or blanket. (whatever she feels comfy with). Something new. A new colouring book, paper dolls etc, a surprise she will receive on board the aircraft.
You can also talk to her about her specific fears and discuss them with her. Order a child's meal and make sure you are able to select seats in advance (most airlines wil do this) so she wil get a window seat. Have her carry and be responsible for her own bag (knapsack, roller board) that she will pack herself. Good Luck with yur journey!...Tagger
You can also talk to her about her specific fears and discuss them with her. Order a child's meal and make sure you are able to select seats in advance (most airlines wil do this) so she wil get a window seat. Have her carry and be responsible for her own bag (knapsack, roller board) that she will pack herself. Good Luck with yur journey!...Tagger
flyfskm
06-06-2003, 02:18 AM
Thank you! We've decided to go out in the morning and pick up a few things that might make the trip more comfortable for her. She seemed a little better tonight, I just hope she'll be ok tomorrow. I made sure we got a night flight so that she could sleep most of the way.
Thanks again! :wave:
Thanks again! :wave:
Geneva1
06-10-2003, 09:11 AM
flyfskm,
Have you been on your flight yet? I am a pilot in corporate aviation, and have dealt with many
terrified passengers over the years, some adults, some children. I have handled both situations,
in much the same way. I invited them to the flight deck, and had them sit the jump seat for the
take off sequence, explaining what was going on, and what to expect. Normally, once their attention
was focused on all the instruments, they forgot about being afraid. Unfortunately, this is not allowed
on the airlines, but if you explain the situation in advance, they might let you visit the flight
deck while on the ground, or let her meet the captain. I totally agree with Tagger's advice of
"something old, something new". Keeping them busy is the best way to handle it. From what I have
observed, the anxiety of a nervous passenger, is from simply knowing they have to go get on that
aircraft. They feel vulnerable. Once the door is shut, and it starts moving, the anxiety seems to subside.
Let us know how the flight went!
Happy flying,
Geneva
Have you been on your flight yet? I am a pilot in corporate aviation, and have dealt with many
terrified passengers over the years, some adults, some children. I have handled both situations,
in much the same way. I invited them to the flight deck, and had them sit the jump seat for the
take off sequence, explaining what was going on, and what to expect. Normally, once their attention
was focused on all the instruments, they forgot about being afraid. Unfortunately, this is not allowed
on the airlines, but if you explain the situation in advance, they might let you visit the flight
deck while on the ground, or let her meet the captain. I totally agree with Tagger's advice of
"something old, something new". Keeping them busy is the best way to handle it. From what I have
observed, the anxiety of a nervous passenger, is from simply knowing they have to go get on that
aircraft. They feel vulnerable. Once the door is shut, and it starts moving, the anxiety seems to subside.
Let us know how the flight went!
Happy flying,
Geneva
idratherbeflying
06-10-2003, 08:54 PM
Well, I had never flown before but the summer after my freshman year of highschool, I flew overseas. I WAS TERRIFIED OF FLYING...I only flew because there was no other way to get there. But I LOVED it...I'm in college now and aspiring to be a pilot. I already have one of my licenses. :)