I have a fear of flying on planes, which surfaced more as I got older. I’ve flown all over the world, most notably the multiple 16-hour flights to the Philippines, and surprisingly, I still hate flying on planes. Is it the fact that the food sucks? Is it the fact that I’m crammed into a 5 inch seat for numerous hours? Is it the fact that there may be a chance I might sit next to someone smelly? Though all of these things bother me (especially the smelly people one), NONE OF THESE compare to the feeling I feel during take off.

Taking off and landing are the worst, closely followed by my severe hatred for turbulence. Studies do show that taking off and landing are the most dangerous parts of flying since so many things can go so wrong and it takes massive skill to get a 450-ton airplane off the ground. Combine take off/ landing with severe rainstorms and lightning, expect me to die and scream in the not-so-comfort of my seat. (BEEN THERE. DONE THAT. ACTUALLY THE WORST.)

The most notable “worst flight ever” by far was coming home from my abroad experience in Rome in May 2015. My friends and I were so excited to go home to New Jersey after a long four months away from the United States. The worst words you want to hear before take-off are, “We are delayed due to a mechanical problem…” A mechanical problem?! What do you want me to do United Airlines, die amongst one of my worst fears in the safety of my seatbelt? As the flight progressed, the turbulence was unbearable; I felt like I was a baby being shaken by my crazy aunt who met me for the first time and who had never held a baby before. And, at one point, when the cabin finally felt stabilized and smooth so I could sleep, the back of the plane dropped a couple of hundred feet and I could’ve sworn that we were all plummeting to our death. If that wasn’t bad enough, during the landing, we could all feel the plane dip sideways as if we endured this horrible flight just to perish at the end… once that flight was over, I vowed to not ride an airplane for a long while.

Two weekends ago was the first time in one year and three months that I have ridden an airplane. This was also the first domestic flight I have taken in three years and three months. And even to add to that, this was the first time in a couple of years where I haven’t ridden a plane for more than a year.

As I entered the plane and threw my hand carry in the overhead compartment (which I, surprisingly, can kind of reach), all those memories from that miserable international flight came flooding back and my body was in full fight-or-flight mode (pun intended).

So I thought it was best to express my emotions during flying is in a detailed listicle on the Odyssey. Queue the anxiety and enjoy the following list of how I feel during my airport and flying experience.

1. When I arrive at the airport.

2. When I find out my gate is changed.

3. When my parents ask if I have everything, even though I answered “yes” to the same question… 20 times…

4. When I have to take off my shoes for TSA security check.

5. When I realize I forgot to wear socks when I take of my shoes.

6. When security check is over and I can put my shoes back on.

7. When I can’t find the gate.

8. When I find the gate.

9. When I realize we’re boarding soon.

10. When I go through the tunnel to get to the plane.

11. When I get on the plane.

12. When I have to put my carry-on in the overhead compartment.

13. When I try to start a conversation with the stranger next to me.

14. When I found out there is a family reunion on the plane.

15. When I find out the flight is delayed… UGH.

16. When they tell me to put my phone on airplane mode.

17. Me waiting for the plane to taxi.

18. When the Airplane Safety video plays.

19. Awaiting take-off…

20. When the plane actually takes-off.

21. When I find out the plane’s off the ground.

22. Holding onto my seat like…

23. And we’re off!

24. When the seat belt sign turns off.

25. Looking at the movies on the screen like…

26. When they come around with the cart of drinks.

27. But in reality, you wanna be like…

28. When the turbulence starts and the seatbelt light goes on.

29. The Pilot says this.

30. … But you feel this

31. And then my armpits start to do this…

32. When the seatbelt sign finally turns off.

33. Sleeping on a plane like…

34. And then waking up like…

35. When you look at how much time is left on the flight and see 30 minutes.

36. Realizing the plane still needs to land.

37. When the flight attendant tells you to put your seat in the upright position.

38. When you look outside and finally see tiny buildings and cars.

39. When the plane is about to touch down.

40. When the plane hits the ground and you go a million miles an hour.

41. When the plane stops.

42. When the plane taxis to the gate.

43. When the seat belt sign turns off.

44. Getting off the plane like:

45. Walking into the airport like:

46. When you realize that you’re finally at the destination:

There you have it folks. There are my emotions during flying! Have any more emotions that I’m missing? Feel the same way? Comment down below!