Nervous Flyers

We always get them....the fliers who come onto the plane announcing to the flight attendants that they hate flying. I think its an attention thing- they want to make sure we are extra attentive to them. Sometimes I tell them "I don't like flying either." to help ease the tension. Then explain that if it weren't safe- I wouldn't do it everyday.

Last night this man boarded our flight & when I said "Hi! Welcome Aboard! How are you tonight?" He informed me that he was fine until now because he's afraid to fly."

Well I didn't expect this...the guy was about over 6' tall and big....probably like 230lbs. Looked like a football player, professionally dressed and just the look on his face was telling me- he's not kidding.

Well....as the flight went on- he would ask the other flight attendant "Is it going to be bumpy? I hate flying. I'm afraid the plane is going to crash." She would kindly tell him "Well the seatbelt sign is on for your safety. We have 2 of the best pilots up there and a little turbulence is nothing to worry about."

Then he comes to the back of the plane where our galley is & just starts talking to my other flight attendant about random stuff- starts rambling about his life & why he's traveling. She smiles & nods & asks questions to comfort him. When I came back he was apologizing for disturbing her and explained he just gets nervious flying. My co-worker's response was classic.

Keep in mind the seatbelt sign is still on at this point & this passenger is out of his seat. and a nervous flyer....

She says: Sir flying is generally pretty safe. The thing you have to worry about is 'Clear Air Turbulence.' Its the bumps that the pilots can't detect on their radar and happens without any warning. You can be flying along smooth as silk and all of a sudden the plane gets tossed about like rag doll in a toddler's hand. That's why we tell passengers that we reccommend their seatbelts be fastened when seated even if the seatbelt sign is off."

He went back to his seat after that...