Pre-boarding was frequently offered.  However waiting until last and spending as little time as possible on the plane always seemed preferable.  The right seat identified by trial and error as, in my case, by the window, as far forward as possible was crucial to comfort.  Many people are troubled by take off and landing.  I'm worst mid-flight with nothing to see and too much time to think, although I now appreciate the majesty and photogenic quality of clouds.

On a clear day photographing the view provided a major distraction. The in-flight routine including provision of drinks and meals, duty-free sales and, on longer flights, video and audio entertainment certainly offered both reassurance and distraction.  I trained myself to view the cabin crew calmly conducting their business as a sign of normality.  I told myself that they must believe that flying was safe; they would hardly put their own lives in jeopardy on a regular basis.

Circumstances forced a five and a half year break from foreign travel.  During this time, I completed my counsellor training.  While doing so I continued to develop my awareness about anxiety provoking situations and recognised the validity of many of the methods I had employed.

If you would like help with any difficulties of your own you may find the links page on this website a useful place to start.

If you are experiencing an immediate crisis or are in need of urgent help, please contact your family doctor service or the accident and emergency or similar department at your local hospital.  In the England and Wales NHS Direct (see below) may also be able to help you.  If you do not want to access urgent help through the health services, a listening service is provided by the Samaritans (UK) or Befrienders International (other areas, subject to availability).