Dear Forum members:

I joined Flyertalk approximately 2 weeks ago and I've been told to post my question on claustrophobia on this forum. I do not have any physical disabilities, but do suffer from claustrophobia which makes my flying predicament difficult.

I do fly and have done so for 25+ years. My flight experience is all on narrow body domestic and island flights. For example, I live in the northeast and fly a couple of times a year to Florida (2.5 to 3 hours). I have never been on a flight leg in excess of 3.5 to 4 hours and I need to travel to London this summer from JFK (6.5 to 7 hours). I am planning to fly either business or first class on the 777 morning flight as I've noticed my feelings of claustrophobia are much worse on a night flight. I believe the morning flight to London from the east coast is all in daylight.

I do a small dosage of Halcion to calm my nerves before I get on the plane. I'm usually the last one to board, I try to sit up front (as close to the door as possible), and I prefer an aisle seat. My triggers appear to be when they close the door (I try and preoccupy myself so as not to notice that), and when the aircraft is NOT moving..................for example, sitting at the gate, or on the runway waiting is a killer for me. My worst nightmare is to actually "survive" the 6.5 to 7 hour flight to London and then upon landing find out that we can disembark because there is another plane at our gate.
My other trigger is when the plane is hot..........the control and use of the overhead air vents is critical to my state of mind. I haven't been on a wide body in 20 years and I'm being told that the majority of the 777's and 763's do NOT have overhead controllable air vents, but rather vent air through the ceiling vents (but not within the direct control of the passengers).

I'm interested in hearing from any claustrophobic flyers who have some experience on longer flights (I'm candidly struggling with how I get through hour 4, 5,6, etc until we land). I'm also interested in hearing from any flight attendants who might be able to offer some advice.

Thank you very much and I apologize in advance if my post is not appropriate for this site.

Regards