My mother moved to VA a 1.5 years ago and have to fly out of O'HARE around Christmas, and I am scared to death of major airports. It is the crowds, hustle and bustle, and now shady people hang out there. I know the 311 rule, to show up at least 5 hours before my flight as the TSA line will probably spill all the way to the parking ramps with a 3 hour wait.
What scares me the most is the stress of dealing with a cancelled flight, having to race with 300 other passengers to get new flights. Hotels being booked and me having to sleep on the floor of a strange airport with the risk of getting mugged.
I am OK once the plane takes off.
I can't cancel because Mom bought the tickets after she found out last year that I spent last Christmas home alone after Dad cancelled it at his house which was only a 20 minute drive away.
It was bitter cold last Christmas too, so I stayed home alone and got plastered. Apparently, Mom didn't like that too much.
I am tempted to alter a home COVID test and fake a positive. That is my only way out of this.
Help.
Written by
Leah919
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I'm not the biggest traveler. It's been almost 25 years since I've been on a plane. (again I'm not the biggest traveler)
But.. That doesn't mean that I can't help you get on the plane.
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What you need is to keep this as simple as possible. (I know that's easier said than done kinda stuff, but I'm trying to be supportive here)
For starters, if you can get a ride to the airport, that may make your life easier. (unless you would prefer to drive)
But.. Stock up on mind distractors.
This is where listening to music, reading a book, magazine, or an eReader (like a Kindle) will also come in handy after you check in. (or watching vids on your phone)
If you have anti-anxiety meds, make sure to keep them as well.
If you have any friends that know your condition that you can trust, text them if needed. (or post on here from your phone)
If you are into crosswords, do that. ETC.
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& Yes, stay in an open area where you feel safe, but keep your mind busy until you get on the plane.
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Finally, I'm from the Chicagoland area myself, and have flown out of both airports.
They've probably changed a little bit since the last time that I have flown, but the "mind distractors" are still tried and true items to help you out.
A It sounds like your mom is worried about you. Traveling is annoying, but I hope you're able to make it out. If it's any consolation, it hasn't been a bad winter in Virginia so far.
Just scared to death and don't want to do this. I got bullied about it on Quota, and some jerk decided to make an awful sick joke about 9/11. I reported it, but I got banned for spam. STAY AWAY from QUORA.
Quora confuses me. I feel the same about Reddit. If it helps, I use to fly for work two times a week for 2 years straight. I'm afraid of heights and have motion sickness, so it was a doozy in the beginning. But I got use to it over time.
I booked the wrong flight one time. I thought the flight was leaving at 2pm, but it actually left at 11am. I thought I was going to die, but I made it home.
I don't want to sleep on the floor of some dangerous airport if my flight gets cancelled. How hard is it to alter a home COVID test and fake a positive?
This might sound weird, but maybe you can write all your fears down in one column. Then in the next column, find the little voice inside of you that can explain away each of these fears. Then just look at the list as you need it and build onto it until your trip. Maybe you can even share a photo of your list.
Can I throw in a different perspective? Why not just be honest and tell your Mother that you are not up for the flight? You don't have to fake a Covid test. It is totally ok if you want to choose to stay home. There is nothing wrong with that if that is your choice. That is how I feel about it. It is about taking care of yourself.
Hmm, sounds like you don't want to do this trip, but look as it as an adventure, imagine the pioneers of flights who flew around the world single handedly on planes that were barely made of nothing more of bits of wire, propellor engines and no canopy to keep the pilot free from the elements. Flying today is a joy, a television on board, drinks, comfort,reclining seats, hostess services, yes, I know that the check-in can be tiresome,but it's part of the experience, and once you've got rid of your luggage it's just a question of sitting in the lounge ,grab a coffee and wait until your called towards your departure gate, planes are extremely safe, I love the feeling of flying,I've travelled all over the world š, and I'm glad I've seen various countries, try not to worry about anything, and maybe your doctor can prescribe you some diazapam or something similar, best of luck š
I got the latest booster and getting COVID is better than raped at the airport if you are stranded. I would have to wear leggings under my pants as a caution. I had COVID in Jan 2022 with no symptoms. If there is a rule, I will wear a mask.
The airport is the worst part of flying for me. Southwest Airlines offers early seating option for people with anxiety, OCD etc. You can be seated right after the wheelchair folks. Helps with security too. I still don't like airports but this pass helps a lot.
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Anxiety about being home alone/health anxiety 
I'm new - Panic Disorder out of the blue
Anxious of being alone but hate being dependent
The Spirit of Christmas!
So tired of fighting this
