Kathy have you asked your doctor if there is anything for anxiety that would be safe to take? I don't have a fear of flying so I can't understand what you're going through, but maybe your doctor can help. Have you asked?

I know you've heard this before, but your fears are irrational. Flying will probably be the least dangerous thing you do that day. I know for a fact that the ride to and from the airport is much more dangerous.
One other thing. The fact that a plane crached today make your trip safer. The reason is that every time there is a crash safety checks become much more serious and thorough. Get on the plane see your family. Pray and meditate. You can do this.

Traveling by air is statistically the safest and by far the most efficient form of travel. I traveled practically every month every month sometimes weeks for many years. No problems ever.
You might check with your Doc to see if you can take an antihistamine like benadryl that will make you drowsy and try to sleep through it. Get an ipod with your favorite relaxing tunes and a good book.

You hear of people getting in car crashes. Are you afraid to drive in a car?

Flying is the safest way to travel.

If it's going to be unmanageable, don't do it. Yeah some $ will be lost but you are worth more than any plane ticket. Do not let others push you into something that feels so wrong.

If you think you might want to give it a go, some things to maybe consider:

Deliberately short-change yourself on sleep the night before and you might be able to snooze your way thru most of the flight? Load up an mp3 player with your favorite music or audio books, bring some things to read, just shut out the external reality and settle into your own existence. If you are into meditation/deep breathing/relaxation techniques, they might be beneficial here?

Not sure, but I hope you make the best decision for yourself.

I fly all the time and all I have to say is the scariest part is having someone sit by you that is totally mean and rude. Or stinks. If you get through that, it's all gravy.
Oh don't take any liquids over four ounces, and have them all in a quart size ziplock bag. Have the cords for your laptop wound up in your computer bag. Security doesn't like all the chaos.

Ooooops! I didn't mean to post another thread based on yours! Sorry Kathy! Flying is safe. I did it for 15 years with my job. Nothing to be afraid of! I have friends who have the same anxiety as you... The Dr. Gave the just on Valium to ease there fear.

thank you all so much..this is worse to me than quitting drinking..i had detox for that but i'm having to face this with nothing..i looked it up..even mild tranquilizers go thru the liver..can't even do that..don't realy want it anyway..thought about drinking but don't realy want that either..guess this sobriety stuck but i don't know about my sanity

I agree with what Bancom said Kathy, relaxing music, a book and maybe some benedryl. That makes sense. Reed is also right! I started to say something about the "odds" thing but deleted it... :) The chances of another plane having similar problems are astronomical.

Remember, you DO ride in a car.... it'll be okay sweetie.

The pilot landed the plane in the river so technically it wasn't a crash. OK, here are things you can do to calm you down and won't hurt you. Vitamin C like 1,000 or 2,000 mg (it's safe, it's water soluble), Vitamin B complex 100's, Magnesium 400 mg, 5-HTP (but ask you doc about that one)... these all help to calm the central nervous system. I know it's difficult but honestly you can make it bearable by not obsessing over how dangerous it is. Car crashes are far more likely than plane crashes. I know it sounds too obvious but it'll fine. I got over my fear of flying, heights etc by just doing it. I'm sure you'll make the decision that's right for you.

I'm not a fan of flying either. I tend to hold the persons hand next to me. Good icebreaker.

All pain meds and tranquilizers are metabolized by the liver. Instead of asking an MD about drugs why not ASK A PHARMACIST?? They are all Doctors of Pharmacy (Pharm D's) now. MD's have between 1 semester and 1 year of pharmacology--depending on their med school.

And BTW isn't this a question for a mental health professsional rather than a chat group? A phobia is not something that you can just "suck up."

Kathy, I meant to type just 1 Valium for the trip. Not a full px! xx

your all so kind and yes it is a mental health problem but it was just sprung on me a week or two ago..i brought it here cause i am an alcohalic and i spend alot of time in here and trust you guys..pharmacist is a good sugestion

just talked to the pharmicist and he said low dose valium or zanix wouldn't be that much of a strain on my liver just for the flight there and back..thank you all..i know its hard to talk to someone in a state of panic..