I have a friend who's 21 year old daughter is traveling to NZ from the US to study for 6 months. She is not worried about her actual stay abroad but the anticipation of the 13 hr flight is becoming a concern. She has flown many times before but never this great a distance by herself. She has also been diagnosed with severe anxiety and can be subject to panic attacks.

Her ticket was purchased via the University at a non-upgradeable, economy group rate. It was her hope that a little more personal space and individual attention would make all the difference but the offer to pay for the upgrade was denied. She has no option but to fly the itinerary assigned to her so another flight is not an option.

My question is if there is an avenue at Air New Zealand in the US, to alert the airline and/or flight crew that she may need some extra attention?