I totally hear you on this one!!!! I get on the plane and have a mild anxiety attack until we are at coasting altitude... then I can read a book or what not. We only fly JetBlue so the TV distracts if there is a good program on... My DH laughs at me b/c upon take off, I hold tightly to the seats and he says he can see the color drain from my face.. Its funny b/c i cant take the ascent, but the descent I can handle. I would do the deep breathing, it works for me.. Going in September, I can feel the anxiety now..