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Old Mar 21, 2013, 4:14 pm
  #12  
Plato1
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: LAX, PHL, SAF
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 301
I am another who has flown all over the world . During a stressful period in my life(my father was dying and my husband and I were living 2000 miles apart) I became claustrophobic.
It seems like we are all dealing with many of the same triggers-
Door closing
Sitting on Tarmac
Heat
Loud or large people surrounding us

I have found a small dose of Xanax before leaving for the airport ( my doctor said you can even put it under your tongue for faster absorption)
Using earphones with pleasant music or sound as soon as I get on the plane.
I have tried boarding last but find if I can board early and " calm down" or even doze off is best. I try for an aisle seat as close to the front as possible.
Lately I am dozing before we even take off. Once in the air it is smooth sailing.

It is incredible how many people are trying to deal with this.
One time when they had to bring the plane back to the jetway so that I could get off the plane I remember the FA saying I was the third one that week for her!

Flight attendants can be very helpful in trying to calm you but you would be amazed how many other travelers will talk to you to keep your mind off of what is happening around you.
Plato1 is offline