Firstly, well done to everyone who has posted about probs, ones that stuck out to me were Robbie, Helen, Rudey and Phil.

Phil, have actually seen a different side to you than normal, most interesting.

I had a major fear of flying for a good few years, I won't go as far as phobia although at the time I believed it was. Looking back now, it was anxiety and fear of "what if"

I am a strong person personality wise and like nothing more than to challenge myself so my flying thing was a good example. I had a fear of heights for a number of years for no reason (hadnt fallen/slipped/seen anyone fall). I used to ride rollercoasters etc at any theme park visit.

Went on a trip to Benidorm in 1996 during half term (10 years ago Oct actually) and on the way back, had a bumpy landing in Bournemouth. Again looking back now, nothing major just some air pockets but being a first time flier, they un-nerved me. For the next four years I went to Heathrow Airport maybe once every 2-3 months. I would park up and wander round amongst all the passengers. Obviously couldnt go any futher than passport control but then used to outside and sit amongst the anoraks with their binoculars!

Weighing on my mind for a lot of years, since 1988 actually was wanting to visit Australia. It seemed at lots of opportunities, Australia was presented to me. Moved house and the previous owner travelled there regularly so there were stickers on his kids bedroom doors, mate from school joined my school from Australia, guy at work lived here etc etc

Speaking from experience, the desire to travel to Australia got so strong, it developed into a frustration over anxiety until one day, I flew. I met a girl and flew her to meet here during my uni holidays. I wasnt well off, was in the middle of uni so not ready to move but the time just came.

I am still not a big fan of flying but I do fly. Since 2001, I have flown 6 times to the UK, Thailand and more times internally in Australia than I can count.

With flying, I am so happy that I flew at 20 and not 50. I got to Australia for that first time and couldnt stop smiling, not only because I was here but because I had beaten the biggest obsticle in my life.

Now I realise some of what has been said in this thread is far more serious than mine but most things can be overcome.

My tips

On the day, excitement will far outweigh and concern/anxiety, I will say 99% of the time. The anxiety will come for the trip home when you dont have something to look forward to such as work. Breathing deeply helps so much. In the seat on the plane, put your hands flat on your legs, dont fold them as it makes you more tense, dont close your eyes on takeoff as it can throw your balance and a final tip, look around and see what other people are doing (reading, talking, looking out the window). Pick up on the vibe and honestly, it is not that bad. A train is more bumpy than most flights I have been on.

HTH someone