Fear of Flying

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not one of those travellers who hyperventilate when they get on the plane and clutch at their armrests throughout the flight. After all, I’ve had a passport for as long as I can remember, and my first long-haul flight (to the US) occurred when I was 7. And, after studying in Australia for 6 years, journeying back and forth during that time period, I am now what one would call a seasoned traveller.

No, the fears I’m talking about are the little niggling worries that just sit at the back of your mind. You know the ones I’m talking about. Most people have them.

Pre-journey: Correct visas? Confirmed flight? Is there enough time between connecting flights? Is the luggage too heavy? Will I get stopped at immigration? Will I get stopped at security check? Did I accidentally put my nail clippers in my hand-carry? Will my shoes set off the metal alarm?

During the flight: Will the plane crash? Will I get stuck in the middle seat wedged between two massively obese snoring pigheaded individuals who will use up my oxygen supply? How bad will the food be? Will I get a DVT? (ok, maybe only medical people think about this obsessively…or maybe it’s just me…) Will I get food poisoning from the food? And, post-September 11: Will hijackers crash the plane into tall buildings?

Post-flight: What if my luggage got misdirected and is now in Sweden? What if customs won’t let me through? What if immigration won’t let me in? What if someone tries to still my bags while I reach for my suitcase? What if someone steals my suitcase? And, post-Schapelle Corby: What if someone planted drugs in my suitcase.

And, my own personal addendum:
POST-GRADUATION: What if they call out for a doctor?

See, legally and ethically, I am obliged to respond to any calls for medical assistance. Ironically, as I progressed through my internship, this fear deepened. Yes, if an emergency arises, I have a better idea of what to do. My management, however, relies on hospital pharmacies, intravenous access, and, sometimes, the resuscitation trolley and someone with knowledge of intubation. None of which is likely to be available on a plane, thousands of miles above ground. Which means, if someone asks for a doctor, I’m not sure how much use I would be. Except maybe to give CPR?

Oh well, I’m about 20 minutes from landing. Need to turn off my laptop before it interferes with navigation equipment and ends up with us landing in the middle of the south super highway on top of a Pajero. (Not a figment of paranoid imagination, this actually happened when I was in 6th grade!!! Not the laptop, but the plane)