Great grandson terrified of flying.

I think I'd leave it a couple of years. If he's frightened, he might be better to go with his parents the first time. It's a responsibility taking someone else's child on a plane (even if you are his great grandparent) and a greater responsibility if the child is frightened.

He may feel differently when he is older.

If you were going for some essential reason, like relocation or hospital treatment, I realise he would pretty much have to get on the plane but your circumstances are different.

I wouldn't risk the holiday.
Fear of flying is a real problem for some, my friend is 69 and has never been on a plane and gets upset just talking about it.

Is this the " don't like cabbage" thing that children have, that's easily solved but don't like flying is hard these days.
I'd tend to avoid flying holidays for a year or two, then try again, if he still won't leave him behind with a relative, when he realises he is missing out he will change. Especially when a teen because it is not cool to have phobias.

Where did I state it was a necessity, Bluegal. I was merely pointing out that help is there, if people wish to avail themselves of it.

Or even if you still want to go abroad would he go by ferry or train. Also is it just the mode of travel or is he upset at going without his parents I think 8 is quite young to go with just someone else even if they are extended family.

I am sure that is helpful sueDonim for people that HAVE to fly for whatever reason but in this case it is not a necessity, just a holiday that adults want. I don't think coaxing, in such instances is really necessary.

I know I am of the opinion that children do NOT care where they are on holiday - they just love the attention from their adults!

IF a child has made it abundantly clear he does not WANT to go on a plane and it is not for work reasons, relocation etc then what possible gain is there in taking him? I could see it IF it was his parents and his siblings etc but not with extended family. As much as Grandparents love to take their GC on holiday, surely their happiness must come first?

Tartlet have you considered a holiday in the UK with your daughter, GS and GGS? Might be a good compromise?

I would not take him until he has flown at least with his parents once. Also talking about it may be aggravating his anxiety. Do a UK holiday or go without him.

I really wouldn't book anything just now, you could be wasting your money.

I can't find any 'fear of flying' courses suitable for children younger than 11 but there is an online course that maybe an adult could View then go through again with your GGS. fearlessflyer.easyjet.com/promo/need-help-now/#content

Sorry but the worse thing you can do is keep talking about it. I know exactly how he feels because at his age I had to fly all over the place because my father was in the RAF. I too was terrified but had no choice.

Adults, constantly talking about their flying experiences did not reassure me and I suspect your DGGS would rather have his right arm gnawed off by a rabid dog than get on a 'plane.

Even if you do get him there. The poor kid won't enjoy himself because all he'll be thinking about is having to do it all again.

He may well grow out of his fears as I did but I wouldn't put any child through such a frightening experience just for the sake of a holiday.

If his fear is real I also wouldn't book it.
He will build it up in his mind and it will be awful for him I also hate flying and at the moment I am in Ibiza and it is the first time in about 46 years I have flown without taking Valium from my GP.

I can have a G&T. Your child can't.

He needs to be a bit older before trying again.

Sorry you have said his parents are divided but I still wouldn’t insist he goes

Personally I would defer. What do his parents think? What I would do is wait a couple of years and go on holiday and show him the photos of you having fun in the pool etc. Why do you need to stresshim out just now? Lots of years ahead when he will probably love to go. JMO though

No terrified GGC here; but one terrified Grandma!! I hate flying!