I hate flying

I don’t think that train travel is all that relaxing, especially with many changes and lugging cases about.

Why don't you try travelling by train and let him fly? It might make you decide a few short hours in a plane are worth it, or alternatively, you might enjoy a couple of stress-free days sitting watching the scenery.
Try it and see.

I also HATE flying. The last time I did it I vowed I would never ever do it again; that life was too short to put myself through the misery.

My hatred of it stems from the first flight I ever took which was on a small prop plane which was seriously buffeted about - utterly horrendous. And I spent the whole holiday worrying about the flight back - which was delayed by a plane crashing on the runway!

I think that the stats that tell you that flying is the safest method of travel are flawed - it does not look so good if you look at the deaths per accident, as opposed to deaths per mile travelled.

In any event flying is a huge environmental disaster for the planet and those of us who do not fly are doing our bit to save the planet.

I have to agree with your DH. Why should he have to change his travel plans to suit you?
He’s not stopping you travelling by train but you want to stop him travelling by air.
I wouldn’t want to waste time on long train journeys when I could travel to my destination in a few short hours.

Oldwoman - yes, I'm similar to you, I take a favourite book (not the same one each time!) but haven't tried an audiobook.

We no longer fly because DH can't cope with airport stress and I can no longer cope with him not coping!!

The flight itself is fine. It's the getting on and off that has made us decide it's no longer for us.

I do think the OP's DH sounds a little selfish not to make allowances. His way or the highway?

When I first went on a plane I was terrified (especially the take off and landing), over the years I gradually improved although I can't say I enjoy it. What I find works for me is once I am settled in my seat, I close my eyes and do some deep breathing exercises and then imagine myself in my happy place (in my case it is a favourite holiday destination), anywhere you love to be - a beach, garden etc. Concentrate on that place whilst breathing deeply and slowly. I find this calms me until the take off or landing is over. During the flight I sometimes listen to an audio book which takes my mind off the flying.

What a problem for those of you fearful of planes.
I hate the whole airport thing at both ends, but the actual flying doesn’t bother me.Having said that, being more or less seat bound for several hours is a trial, I can’t wait to get off and walk about.
I have heard that hypnosis for fear of flying is very successful.

I hate flying too. I do it If necessary but spend most of the time petrified. Flying to Japan 3 times in 2 years was the giddy limit as far as I'm concerned.

I have always hated flying to the extent where I have made myself ill before a flight. I used to constantly watc the crew to see if they were still smiling! I'm not so bad now. I don't like it but I don't get so nervy. I hate airports too, especially these days. I bought a tape and a book a few years ago which helped. It was called something like 'Flying no Fear' although I can't really remember.

Thank you everyone for your comments.
I just feel I have got to an age now where I just don't want to put myself thru the ordeal of flying again and all that comes with it.
Life can be short and all the stress I have with this problem is not worth it but I did think my husband would be more supportive which upsets me.

I really don't enjoy flying but maybe not as much as others do. I hate the whole airport business and the hanging about and am more inclined to holiday in GB now. It must be a problem if you have family abroad. How about some CBT -or hypnosis.

I have never been in an airplane. I feel sick when I see them in the air. Even now just thinking about it whilst I write this has made me feel shaky.

I don't understand why your husband can't be more understanding unless he's worried that if you avoid a plane once then it will end up with you never being able to fly.

Could you not just do what he suggests? Then you're both happy!

Hypnosis? There is a thread running on that subject at the moment

Yes I do.
Like you I know it is totally illogical but it is what it is.
The figures that show that 2017 was the safest year in aviation history, doesn't help me.
Fortunately or sadly I think my flying days are done, even holidays are out for me, so my problem is solved but I really feel for you jeannie with your family living abroad.
My D and her H and S lived in the West Indies for 3 years, it was paradise and I made myself go twice but it was horrendous for me.
Good luck in finding a solution or compromise .

My husband has flying phobia and has never got over it enough to set foot in a plane. I've tried everything to persuade him over the years even emotional blackmail hasn't worked. I've suggested the train too, as our son and his family live abroad but the train is pretty expensive for us.

It has stopped him enjoying so much and since he's been ill I've had to hold off flying out to visit so it's affected my life to a degree. It's very frustrating but I understand how scared he is but in your case as you've already overcome the fear many times I suppose your husbands reaction is a little understandable.
I don't know what the answer is apart from gentle persuasion on your part.