Aviophobia. (Fear of flying)

[Drew1994]

So for Christmas I've been traveling and I have a terrible fear of flying. My family was in New York and instead of flying to New York I decided to take the train. I ended up sitting in that train for 19 straight hours and I told myself I won't be doing that again. So I scheduled a flight tomorrow leaving at 10:55 AM and arriving at 1:45 PM. It's not a long route but I've always been afraid of something going wrong on a plane and there's nothing I can do because I'm not in control like I am in a car. What sparked this fear was 9/11 when I was 7 years old and I've always been uneasy about air travel since. I've always had my family with me when I fly but this time around I'm flying alone. I'm extremely nervous and anxious about tomorrow and I'm wondering if anyone can reassure me.

[Pythonian]

I give you a tremendous amount of credit for facing you fears. I am unable to fly partially based on the same fears you have. Have done the trains have done the 20 hour road trips.

A friend of mine was pursuing his pilots license and reminded me that they want a safe flight just as much as any passenger. You know the statistics are astronomically in your favor. Have a safe flight, let us know how you did. Best wishes. You're going to be just fine.

[randomforeigner]

You don't have to be ashamed of not wanting to fly because the 9/11 happened when you were 7. I don't like it either and sort of for the same reasons but I was 36 when it happened, and only saw it on the telly, and I was on another continent. The statistics are in your favour as was pointed out here.

I find it helps to bring a book (on paper, a good one).