Like many here I've always liked traveling to faraway places. But for whatever reason I have come to dread getting on an airplane in the past few years. No doubt some of you will think I’m a pu*sy but it’s my reality.
For me it started after not flying for a period of about five years, before that time I never really thought much about it. I feel severe anxiety during takeoff and a sense of doom during any sort of turbulence. The confinement of the plane and total lack of control of the situation is also an issue I have when flying. I had a particularly bad flight coming back from my first trip to SJ. It was the worst turbulence I have ever experienced.
After that flight I read up on what happens during a flight; about turbulence, take offs, landings and all the rest. I figured having the knowledge would help alleviate my fears. It did help some but I was still left with a serious fear anytime I got on an airplane.
Even having a few stiff drinks before a flight wasn't much help.
I made a post about my fear of flying on a travel newsgroup and got all kinds of helpful responses. The best one suggested taking the prescription drug Lorazepam, a member of the Valium family of drugs. This stuff is great!
I took one about an hour before boarding and felt no anxiety during takeoff and even the turbulence during descent didn’t seem to bother me much. Some say it makes them feel zoned out and wasted but I only felt calm. I also used it on the flight back home and had no problem with driving home from the airport. Just thought I’d put that out there for those like me who cringe at the thought of getting on a plane. 
