STORM2K

Was getting some breakfast at Sky Harbor Airport an hour before our flight to Illinois a few weeks ago when I spotted a young fellow about 21 sipping on his second stiff drink. His foot was shaking and tapping while he watched the TV and waited.

"First time on a plane?"

"You mean you can tell?"

"Well, two drinks at the table before 8 am...and those tappin' feet kinda give it away! You'll be fine."

"I know. I'm just scared as hell."

If his flight was was more than an hour away....I thought...this kid might not even make it to the plane!

Any of you who have not yet taken your first flight on a jetliner? Any of you who have traveled overseas? How about any of you who fly more than once a week for work?

Sep 11th is with a lot of people these days. Some that go on flights. And some who never will. And those who did, but never will again.

Just curious what category you might fit in?

I've flown a few times but not routinely. It's still exciting to me.

I fly about every two weeks, it does not bother me anymore, but it did initially after Sept 11th.

Just something each person has to work through on their own.

I fly when we go on family vacations beyond driving distances...like to Key West. It really doesn't bother me...a matter of fact, I love flying!

I hope never to be on a plane. My dad flies overseas for the Army, evey year or so he'll go to Japan and serve for 30 or some days.

I am a fearful flyer. Hated flying - it was a phobia I had - but when I was expected to fly for my previous job - I had to overcome it. Which I did. I haven't flown since Sept 11th. But I am and always will be a white-knuckle flyer.

Patricia

I've only flown less than 10 times and I'm always a nervous wreck. Longest flight was 12 hours, to and from Hawaii. Somehow I got thru it. But I blame Jim for telling me once - "once you're in the air, there's not much to worry about. Take offs and landings are when you might want to worry." And I swear one rough landing in Boston was almost too much for me......he even looked worried. I wish he hadn't told me that.....haven't flown since 9-11 and I know for a fact I'd be a little more worried, than usual. As for hijackers? I don't think a plane full of people would sit idly by hoping it would all be resolved. That's the only comfort we can have now - we are so much more aware of strange behavior and report it promptly, I'm sure. I'd cooperate in any way to land the plane safely.

But since we prefer driving on vacations, flying just isn't an option right now. And a tight budget too. I don't miss it. Now Nina does. She hears all the time about friends flying here and there. Wishes she could too. I think she wants all those tags on her suitcase if you ask me......teens!

When friends talk about going on vacation and want us to go and we have to fly to get there Mr Houma tells them My wife doesn't fly or float(meaning swim) I'm now learning how to float but will not learn how to fly!

Patricia - you and I would be quite the pair! LOL I'm a white knuckled flyer too - similar position I take in the dentist chair too! Thank God for those armrests!!!!

I'm not a frequent flyer but I do enjoy it when I have to. I haven't flown since 9-11 either.

Never flown before. Not once.

flown to india. I remember a lot actually. Me my mom and my brother. I was only five though. I think we caught a plane to ny from raleigh...then to frankfurt, Germany...and then Mumbai (bombay). Haven't been on one since tho!

I haven't been on one before. I would like to. you know. To see if I'm missing anything,LOL.

Debbie

I've flown a few times and I loved it! I haven't flown since 9/11 and to be honest, I'm not eager to. I drive wherever I need to go. Of course something could come up where flying is the best option...I'll deal with it then.

I've flown alot. My first flight was to Disney World for my senior class trip. Nine years later I had my next flight - it was for business in Dallas all by myself! I was sooo nervous and when my husband had dropped me off at work I was crying! I made it obviously, but when I finally arrived at the hotel, they didn't hold my room. I finally did get one but it was so nerve-wracking!

I khow the feeling Stephanie, I traveled for work by myself several times - it was very stressful - trying to find your way to the hotel from the airport - reading roadmaps and driving. Then the hotel they booked me at wasn't my idea of the best - therefore soon as it go dark - I locked myself in my room.

But after doing it several times - I actually got good at it. LOL. Now I work for City Gov't so we don't travel that much - for that I am thankful.

My hubby hates having to do everything when I am gone - I went this past January for two days and I thought he was going to lose his mind. Hate to break it to him - but I might be going to another one in the Fall.

Patricia