Originally Posted by JBord

I have a slight fear of flying, really only in bad weather. But I do get claustrophobic on long flights.

I would recommend flying on the biggest plane possible across the ocean. 747, A380, 777 for example. I find I don't feel turbulence much on the bigger planes, and the width of the plane really helps with the claustrophobia. If you can afford business class, get it. Having a multi-course meal and an entertainment system really helps the time go by.

Lastly, I try to think of the flight in segments. The first 2 hours is takeoff and a meal. The next 4-5 hours I watch a couple movies and maybe sleep a little. The last few hours are preparing for landing, looking out the window at a new country, an arrival meal, and landing.

Good luck, you will do fine. I was so nervous on my first transatlantic flight years ago that I almost got off the plane before we left, because I couldn't take being stuck in a metal tube for 8 hours! Now I go to Europe several times a year on holiday.