I've suffered with claustrophobia for years, hate lifts, crowded places etc etc. I went on a plane for the first time Last year after a very long gap. I managed to sit at the very front of the plane in an aisle seat which gave me the impression of 'room' and I was OK. Took a book and a couple of crosswords to take my mind of it. Got up and went to the loo to stretch my legs so that I felt less closed in. Tilly and DeeSa are right, go and see your doctor if you are that bad and get a couple of pills to take the edge off. Good luck!