As a fearful flier, I usualy like to have direct access to the window. I need to feel that I control SOMETHING when I am up there, 35,000 feet above ground.
In cases of turbulence, I just look ot the window. If the skies are blue and everything below "looks normal" to me..I am able to calm myself down. If I see that instead of being above the clouds the plane is IN a cloud or fog, then its time to get stressed...
The problem begins during those night international flights, when for you its night time, but outside its mid-day in that time zone. 99.9% of the passangers are asleep and there is NOTHING more important to the cabin crew then to make sure we stay asleep. They are really zelous about that (that way passangers are less annoying...)
So, it's dark in the cabin and suddenly there's serious turbulence. My instinct, as I said, is to immidiately look out the window. The shutter is closed, so, I open it just abit - 2 inches, so I can see what's out there and not bother everyone too much...Not a second goes by and an angry stewardess jumps on me -Miss! Please close the shutter immidiately!!
Since I am stressed, I dont usally handle this attack too well...and I usualy snap right back at her/him..... "I will NOT close the shutter, as I am anxious and keeping it slightly open helps me cope!!!!" I tell her. The stewardess is usually shocked that I dont obey her orders, and my tone sends her right out on her way. If she still insists, I still keepit open but I usualy also write a complaint letter to the airline and complain about the lack of empathy to those who suffer from fear of flights.
Exception - On international flights, I prefer to sit on an isle seat, helps me that I know I can get up any moment and not feel couped up. Gotta choose my battles...
Safe flight.
