What if I can’t get on the plane?

If you could even sit on each side of the aisle together you'd feel better.

I'm sure someone would swap with you once you get there if the booking staff can't help. Just ask.

Last time I flew I got to my seat and someone else was in it. He never cracked a light. Just pretended the seat was his. It wasn't. I'd paid for it. That was a little bit annoying.

But I wasn't too bothered as his relative was on the other side of the aisle, but if he'd had the manners to ask if I wouldn't mind swapping, I'd have appreciated it.

Look at the other passengers and crew and notice none of them are panicking and everything is normal.

This helps me a lot - I also find just speaking to the crew helps me - I explain I’m a bit nervous of flying and they say something reassuring and it helps a lot.

I think flying in business will really help because of all the distractions of the nice things to eat and drink.

I’d assume they’ll be in flight entertainment with it being long haul, so that’s as good as nattering with your mate, or you can also download some films or podcasts of your own if you don’t trust it to be something you’ll like.

Call the doctors and get an appointment and explain and see if they will give you something. Diazepam or something as a one off.

I have been scared of flying in the past and find long haul actually helped, firstly it's larger planes and less claustrophobic and you feel a bit less like you're in a metal tube in the sky. Secondly you can't keep up that level of terror the entire time.

Get diazepam from the doc - it really helps.

I hate flying so I feel your pain. Some things that have helped me:

Bach’s rescue remedy.
Imagine that any bumps in the air are like potholes on the road. Not a big deal.
Look at the other passengers and crew and notice none of them are panicking and everything is normal.
Wine.

You could go to the gate as soon as it opens and speak to the staff there. They might be able to ask the other people in the cabin if they would mind swapping. They might say no of course but it's worth a try.

Get to the airport early and talk to the staff on the check in desk. I’ve always found them able to make things happen there which seemed impossible days earlier.

Keep your mind on settling in to a comfy seat, glass of champagne in hand and a good movie on the screen.