**One thing to remember, is that there are thousands more chances you get killed in a car crash that there are when you're travelling by plane.

**before you go on this trip, you can get more used to the fact of flying by going to the airport, walk around, see the planes taking of and landing, and if you have the opportunity you could eventually enter one plane that was repairing and stay in for a while, as if you were flying.

**you can always take something to put you to sleep, take something to relax (even if it has to something heavier that what you possibly take during exams season and so on).

**Another way to get you more comfortable with flying is by learning how it all works; I mean, how planes are built, the history and advances of flying, everything related to that. You can find such info in books, some kind of encyclopedia, and I'm sure there are lots of websites about that too, try to research a little if you wanna bother. After you know something about it you can feel more secure and understand that if something happens during the flight, it could well have happened while you were walking in the street or in a car - if it has to happen, it'll happen wherever you are, so don't worry so much about it.

**Other things you should do: if the trip is long, take lots of things to keep you busy, like books, magazines, or if you get sick take something like a walkman/cd player, gameboy or such games you can get addicted to and help you get away from where you are.

**obviously you know chewing gums are always helpful to have in handy for take-off's and landings, they help you tolerate the difference of air pressure better, otherwise you'll get some nasty ear-aches.

Hope this will be of any use! And have a nice trip! Think of how much fun you'll have when you get to your family's home! )

If you own a portable PC, you could always take it with you and check out this site while you're travelling!!!

Now tell me! Is that a hell of a good idea or what?!?!

Good luck!!!

I think it is partially due to nerves when landing. My heart rate increases, I get sweaty, I breath heavily, and get really queasy. I have no fear that the plane will crash.

Basically air travel is safer statistically than driving the same distance on US roads. Air crashes just get a lot of media attention. Car accidents are not newsworthy to the big corporate news shows.

Going to Europe you will have an in-flight movie most likely so that will distract you. Bring other distractions like a trashy book that requires no thought whatsoever (nothing heavy like Atkins' Quantum Chemistry).