I am flying tomorrow for the first time in 8 years from SFO to Maui (and flying over 2 hours for the first time in 25 years). I am terrified. As part of my work on getting over this phobia, it has been suggested that I meet the pilot and fess up no matter how embarrassing.

I did a search on "meeting the pilot" and didn't come up with much. I thought I read at some point in 168 page "Ask the Pilot" thread that UA was pretty open to passengers meeting the pilot.

Any suggestions on how to do this correctly? Should I talk to the person at the gate? Ask the flight attendant as I am boarding? Has anyone done this? I would suspect that most people on this board have no problem with flying and and thus probably haven't requested to meet the pilot. I am concerned if my request is not met, that I may bail on the vacation.

Thanks.