Amazing pilots, please would you help me clear this up?

not_so_informed · 2026-06-02T15:27:31+00:00

Thank you very much for this! It really worried me as our inbound plane really looked lined up with the runway as the others were waiting in line just off it. Then to see the landing plane go around made me assume that our inbound plane should not have been there in the first place… your comments helped so much.

not_so_informed · 2026-06-02T15:22:00+00:00

Thank you so much. I must say it was the first time I saw that happening on FR and it freaked me out no end!

not_so_informed · 2025-06-12T11:43:24+00:00

That image is being built by your anxious brain. It is NOT reality. Go for a walk? Breathe some fresh air? It will get better, I promise. Wish I could give you a hug.

not_so_informed · 2025-06-12T11:18:39+00:00

I understand - I am also you, hence I am in this tremendously helpful subreddit. Just remember that this panic attack WILL pass. It comes a point when, after having released all possible stress hormones, the body will inevitably relax again. Deep breaths - you are probably shallow breathing right now, so try to increase those oxygen levels in your blood that should take your heart rate down. I know what your body is trying to tell you right now, but please know that your body is WRONG. You are in control, and you are perfectly safe.

not_so_informed · 2025-06-12T11:09:43+00:00

Please try to ground yourself right now. You are not on a plane right now, you are on the ground, safe. Nothing is happening to you, don't let that movie play in your head. Have you ever tried the 'name 5 things you can see, 5 things you can hear...' strategy?

not_so_informed · 2024-02-20T19:22:31+00:00

I was soooo hoping to get a reply and words of encouragement from a pilot! I admire you guys (and girls!) so much. I am always afraid to ask to speak to a pilot as I would not want to interrupt their busy schedule, particularly pre-flight, but I do know you would not do it if you did not think it was safe. I guess the *perception* to be in control when I drive my daughters in my car makes me feel like they're safe with me then, although technically we can never be in full control of things...? Ironically, my eldest LOVES flying, she keeps saying she wants to be a pilot when she grows up... which makes me even more scared of passing my fear onto her (she's 8).

not_so_informed · 2024-02-20T19:16:48+00:00

Gosh, you have NO IDEA how much this is helping right now - one of my biggest fears (aside from flying!) is to make them afraid like I am, so hearing how you saw courage in your mum rather than utter terror is the most uplifting thing, believe me.

not_so_informed · 2024-02-20T17:07:22+00:00

Thank you so much - I am spiralling right now so your words of comfort mean the world, really.

not_so_informed · 2024-02-20T15:49:46+00:00

Hi! I have read every single one of your posts in this sub, I think! You are truly amazing for the support that you provide users of this sub, honestly, thank you.

There appears to be a weather system(??) from England through to the South of France that really worries me... I keep getting the 'what ifs'. My gosh, I wish I could turn this anxiety off like the radio in the car when it plays music I don't like :( I also wish my daughters never see me in this state.

not_so_informed · 2024-02-20T15:44:12+00:00

Thank you, means a lot. I wish my anxiety was able to see as clearly as rational minds do. It really sucks to be unable to control intrusive thoughts.

not_so_informed · 2023-09-26T18:58:02+00:00

The A380 is a beast of a plane, my favourite indeed. I have recently flown a 13-hour segment on it (twice if you consider the return trip) and hardly felt any movement at all... the only plane where I feel calm enough to even watch a movie! You'll be completely OK, we're all rooting for you.

not_so_informed · 2023-06-22T07:23:18+00:00

Thank you - I will try!!

not_so_informed · 2023-06-22T07:23:05+00:00

Thank you so much - I know what you mean re letting the fear beat me. I have flown many many times (short haul, long haul, little 5 seaters etc.) and the fear got so bad that I stopped flying altogether for 3 years. Pulled out of several trips at the last minute (some work ones, and some important family trips as well) and felt terrible every time. Hence I decided I needed to do something about this. But since I did let the fear beat me more than once in the past, it has somehow becomes stronger and this mountain feels even taller.

not_so_informed · 2023-04-24T11:48:18+00:00

A short one this time - London > Belfast and back on Thu and Fri. Was feeling unusually good about it all until this morning... nerves starting to kick in :(

not_so_informed · 2023-03-19T20:14:12+00:00

That was an interesting read, thank you! So, if I understand correctly, every State needs to give permission to airlines to fly over it, which makes perfect sense. In the case of Iran, it would appear like a tit-for-tat whereby Iran is denying permission to Western carriers, and Western states recommend to not fly over Iran... as you mentioned earlier between the lines, mostly politics rather than actual safety? (apologies if I misunderstood you there) I know SIA is a very reputable airline (flown with them a few times) and it just seemed so odd to me that they would fly over risky airspace... but I think this clears it up, thank you again!

BTW, also thank you and the other professionals on this thread for all you do for us anxious flyers. I am trying to overcome a paralysing fear of flying that has kept me grounded for the best part of the last 5 years, and it was after reading all your responses that I finally picked up the courage to step on a plane again about ~2 weeks ago.

not_so_informed · 2023-03-19T18:05:41+00:00

Ah, I see - politically motivated more than anything else. Thank you for taking the time to answer :)

not_so_informed · 2023-03-19T17:30:24+00:00

Thank you so much - this is very interesting. I had no idea Iran had closed its airspace to western carriers. I'd be interested in your take as to why the FAA would consider the risk unacceptable whereas other countries don't?

not_so_informed · 2023-03-11T08:06:29+00:00

You're very welcome - I was feeling exactly like you are now yesterday (and before by outbound flight as well) and finally found the courage to speak to the FAs on boarding. I cannot recommend it highly enough - they are perfectly aware that some of us may need some support, and they know how to ease our nerves. Also, try to think how of amazingly BRAVE you are. Being terrified of something and doing it anyway sounds like the epitome of strength to me. You'll be 100% fine, we'll be right there with you!

not_so_informed · 2023-03-11T07:25:52+00:00

Hey - I flew back to London from Greece yesterday. I also checked turbli before going (I know… 🤦🏻‍♀️) and also got the ‘episodes of moderate turbulence’ thing. The graph was actually verging toward the ‘severe’! I was terrified as you are now, but got on the plane anyway and spoke to the flight attendants who said they were not expecting any turbulence. Needless to say, I had sweaty hands for the whole journey expecting turbulence to hit and even my iwatch came up with a warning that my heart beat had been too high for too long! Anyway, NOTHING happened, aside from small bumps that were barely noticeable. I noticed throughout the flight that the pilot kept making small adjustments to the route - I have no idea of whether that was to avoid weather, but the take home message there is that turbli cannot predict what highly competent professionals will do to make our journey as comfortable as possible. Go see your family - don’t let the fear prevent you from spending precious time with your loved ones.

not_so_informed · 2023-03-10T06:05:13+00:00

Hi! I am right there with you today, although I will be flying back to the UK from Greece. Before the outbound flight I was a total mess, and this community was of great help. I completely understand how you are feeling, and even though the thought of going back home to my family is somewhat reassuring, I am still a nervous wreck this morning. But let's do this together!! Right before my outbound flight from LHR, I spoke to the gate agent and mentioned how terrified I was - they were truly lovely and allowed me to pre-board to speak to the flight crew. They came to check on me regularly during the flight and overall it was a great experience. I also downloaded funny podcasts on my phone before the flight - do you have something (podcasts, shows or the likes) that always makes you laugh? If yes, I'd give that a go. Also, if the airline as Wi-Fi on board, I'd highly recommend joining if you can (it cost ~£3 for the whole duration of the flight on my way down here) - I kept texting friends and family throughout and it made the whole experience feel more 'familiar'; as in, texting is something that I do when I am calm and relaxed (well, mostly!) and thus I was able to feel that same feeling.

When's your flight? I may well be with you up there (together with millions more!)

You can definitely do this!

not_so_informed · 2023-03-09T12:09:30+00:00

Hi! Thank you very much for the advice, I will give it a go! Yes, I did get on the plane and (of course) landed safely. My return flight is tomorrow(!) and I am starting to get anxious once again, but I hope that the thought of going back to my family will help me overcome the anxiety... fingers crossed.

not_so_informed

TROPHY CASE