Mary
Welcome to Flyertalk.
BA has one of the very best safety records, and of all the airlines flying in the world BA would be one of the safest, flying the best aircraft, and what is more important having the best crew - the sort of people you know would have the wherewithal and training to come through should something happen.
BA has some info on its website which although referred to above could help:
Fear of flying
Fear of flying is common. Your own doctor can prescribe a mild tranquilliser which can often assist the nervous flyer to overcome the anxiety associated with air travel. A number of organisations run special one day courses designed to reassure the apprehensive passenger and make the thought and act of flying a pleasant experience.
British Airways supports the course run by Aviatours (01252 793250) which includes a short flight of approximately one hour duration conducted by a highly experienced British Airways training captain, following preparation by an eminent clinical psychologist.
http://www.britishairways.com/travel...n/public/en_gb
The very best thing you can do to deal with your concern is to better understand the process of flying, what all the bangs, bongs and bings mean, to make what can be an alien and unsettling experience into one that is workaday! Familiarity with the flying environment will help.
By the way, assessing the 747 less safe than a 777 is not so sound as there have been far more 747s built and in service sine the 1970s than the 777 which as I recall was a late 80s/early 90s aircraft. Being older can also mean it is better tried and tested.
Also, flying up front in Club World Business Class will mean you receive even more special attention (as a nervous flyer, crew will no doubt be sympathetic whichever part of the plane you fly in). This should give you a greater feeling of space, and if you do choose a 747, you can go upstairs where it is quieter. Here is the seat:
www.deepersleep.co.uk
Tell us which route and time of the year you are planning on travelling as there may not be a choice of aircraft. THe 747 and 777 only work longhaul routes. We can help you get enough miles to sort out an upgraded ticket to Club World for perhaps as little as six hundred pounds and twenty five thousand BA Miles each.
For the nervous flyer, a seven hour jaunt to Dubai or Muscat would be a good first trip.