For years I would not fly anyway. Then last year an invitation I could not refuse meant I had no option. Before I went I found a little book called Flying Without Fear : 101 fear of flying questions answered; by Richard Conway and Paul Tizzard. It is in reality an advert for Richard Branson's fear of flying course, but nevertheless is relevant to all airlines. It goes a long way to explaining the noises, bumps, whistles, pings etc that can be worrying.

For all you seasoned JYers out there it is probably irrelevant, but for any nervous travellers it may help.

Julia, if this is classed as advertising, and you cannot publish it I shall understand. I don't have any vested interest in any of Branson's enterprises.

Regards

Sylvia

I also am not a particularly good flyer. But I read a similar book - also called 'Flying without Fear'. However, mine was written by Keith Godfrey, an ex BA Captain. It certainly helped me and, although still not completely happy, do now feel more confident. Following reading the book I did a 15 hour flight to Vietnam, something which I would never have done before.

I am not a good flyer but when we took our kids abroad when they were you g I had to be a strong Mummy for them, which did help a little and then having worked at LHR for most of my working life that also gave me some inside knowledge, I was given a tour around the control tower and fire station!!! Which helped in a strange way.

Since using JY I have been as far as New Zealand, and I have independently been to Australia, so you can't get much further than that,

I still am not a lover of flying but in enables me to get to see such beautiful countries in the quickest time.

When we hit turbulence and I have had some bad patches of that over the years I look at the flight crew if there looking calm then I don't PANIC!!

Any rate life's to short and fear is good to overcome...

Happy Travels

Cindy

Hayley

I don't mind flying one bit but I'm not very keen on take off! I just keep myself busy by reading a book or something until the in-flight entertainment kicks in. Failing that, I keep my eyes closed at the point of take off and think happy thoughts about the wonderful holiday I'm about to have!

Cheers,

Bob

Hi Hayley,

I don't mind flying one bit but I'm not very keen on take off! I just keep myself busy by reading a book or something until the in-flight entertainment kicks in. Failing that, I keep my eyes closed at the point of take off and think happy thoughts about the wonderful holiday I'm about to have!

Cheers,

Bob

Hi Hayley and Bob,

This little book tells you how and why the plane stays in the air. I hadn't a clue, but this is very comforting info.

Sylvia

I've done dozens of long haul flights and still get nervous during take off. I'm okay once the cabin crew are on their feet but for the five minutes or so until then I do have a little 'moment'. The way I get through it is to buy a magazine and read an article 'out loud' - silently but moving my lips. I know this sounds really weird but it does seem to help me as I am concentrating on the words rather than the flight. I also find it helpful to not be able to see out of the window as I hate banking soon after take off.

The other option is to talk to the person next to you as a distraction, so hopefully for the Hawaii trip we can keep each other distracted!

Only four months and 23 days to go!

Sally

Regards

Jaya

I Am always having a quite prayer many times along my journeys... I must say some of my most spiritual moments have been on holidays, I found Ayres Rock OZ,Milford Sound NZ, and Auschwitz Poland.. Deeply moving and spiritual...

And my bible travels with me along the way..

Cindy

I truly believe in the power of a prayer. I too have had many spiritual moments whilst on holidays. I think this is because we are a bit more relaxed whilst on holiday without having to worry about everyday tasks and things. I found the Holocaust museum in Jerusalem very moving and spiritual and also Bethlehem and the Nativity Church even though I am not a Christian.

Regards

Jaya