A Yan (hardest normal monster in Final Fantasy 9) can take 3 turns before you can take ONE. If you're flying/floating, its Comet spell will have a much greater chance of hitting (and doing massive damage). Its virus powder attack is gross and also does lots of Damage. So, I'm thinking Galvy's chances here aren't good.
At least with Kaleel, the glowy hands only killed you if you believed he could kill you. If you didn't, he couldn't.