Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Riker]

So I should be on my way to Korea shortly and I'm wondering about the flight. My recruiting agency will pay for the ticket upfront.

What I'm wondering is how long was your flight to Korea, and did you have a direct flight?

Also, I'm wondering how you deal with flight anxiety. Alcohol? Xanax? Valium?

[pyeongtaekcody2]

Nashville to Detroit was a little more than an hour I think. Then Detroit to Incheon was 13.5, no stops.

I have never fallen asleep on a plane or in a car, and didn't on the whole 13 hours here. Nor did I drink any alcohol. That's just me though.

The entertainment on the in-flight monitors is a good way to pass time. Just remember to bring a good set of headphones. Before I left Nashville, one of the ear pieces to my good set fell out, and I never found it. I ended up having to use the ones Delta gives you for free. They suck, and hurt my ears (when they actually stayed in) So good headphones are a must. Other than that, its your call.

[moosai]

Hey,

I haven't flown over so take my words with a grain of salt. My best friend went over though about a year ago. His flight was not direct so it naturally was longer...but was nice in that he got to get off the plane, stretch his legs and get some snacks at the connecting airport (of course, connecting times all vary).

I think his flight was something like 18 hours. But don't forget, you'll likely fall asleep through some of it. Now if you have anxiety, there are a few options. Ask your doctor about ativan (you put it under your tongue and it calms you right down -- used for anxiety attacks etc). You'd only need a few so don't worry about dependency. The last flight I was on, I did get a bit anxious but I distracted myself out of it with a book, my ipod, and daydreaming positive stuff.

Xanax I believe is an anti-depressant of some sort so you'd need to be on that for a while for it to be effective, whereas the ativan is immediate after every use. Ask around and I'm sure people will tell you many things, but you'll just have to figure out what exactly, is the root of your anxiety to get the best fix.

[Canonite]

I absolutely love flying and I've flown a ton, so I might not be the best source of info here, but if you're anxious/nervous, I think any sort of distraction would help...buy a couple of magazines, watch the in-flight movie, heck even pick up a Nintendo or Playstation portable, they can be had for cheap enough and you'd be surprised at how easy it is to escape reality and kill a few hours with them...

[sonicmatt]

You should expect to be served Bibimbap

[Canonite]

[Riker]

I took a flight to Vietnam once, and I have such a fear of flying I was up through all the connecting flights until I got there. About 25 hours straight. As soon as I got there I passed out in a hotel.

That time I went with a good friend so It took away a lot of my anxiety, but this time I will be alone.

Xanax works exactly like Valium for me ( took one for the first time a week ago). They are both anti-anxiety, and FYI to the above poster it works immediately like valium. I don't like taking medicine if I don't have to, but every now and then I have trouble sleeping so I use a valium or xanax to fall asleep. Even then I take an extremely small dose ( really don't like medication !!!)

But on this trip I want to sleep. The only reason I'm reluctant to get some Valium from my doctor is will I have to explain this at my health check up and blood test when I arrive? If so, I will just pass on the meds.

[pangaea]

If you want to sleep, you might try melatonin. It's naturally produced by your body and it's what helps you fall asleep. You can buy it in pill form at the drugstore. I used to take it when I worked nights and had to sleep during the day. I can't take sleeping pills because they give me a hangover. I stay sleepy and groggy for hours after they should have worn off. Melatonin just helps me fall asleep and stay asleep, then I wake up naturally without the after effects.

[waynehead]

I absolutely hate flying, but having lived here for years I've done a lot of it, including plenty of 10-15 hour non-stops. I don't have anxiety about it, I just hate it, in much the same way I hate mosquitoes and hangovers.

I also have trouble sleeping in cars, buses, trains and planes.

My advice. Find something that helps you fall asleep, and try to go to sleep as soon as you take off. If it's booze, pills, whatever. Also don't underestimate the value of a sleeping mask and travel pillow. I did for years and then finally started using them and I could have kicked myself for being so stupid. They help. Also, for when you can't sleep, have plenty of distractions. Ipod, books, magazines, sudoku, whatever. And if you are awake, get up and walk around the plane every hour or so. It helps to stretch your legs, even if you may not be aware of it - this is also why I think getting an aisle seat is essential, or better yet, an exit row.

[methdxman]

[chellovek]

[methdxman]