I feel the same exact way...I can really relate. For me, it is the crowds, lines, being smushed so close to other people and all the noise. Also, I work myself up before I even get to the airport. Just thinking about it makes me feel anxious. And I get grumpy. Once I am in the plane and seated I am fine, though.

I wonder, do you have a smaller airport in your area that you can utilize? They are usually less crowded and less chaotic. Also, parking is easier. They even have valet. If not, I prefer to take a shuttle so I have another hunan being with me so I am not alone. Even if we dont chat.

I find dressing comfy for the flight with shoes that are slip on / slip off gets me through security easier. If I am traveling internationally, I make sure to have my currency in order before I get to the airport.

Bringing a carry-on and my regular bag is less stressful, as well, because I dont have to wait in line to check my bag and then wait at the carousel after the flight to get my bag. Just get in and out. If I need anything or forget anything, I purchase it when I get there.

Online check in helps a lot too. And picking an aisle seat so I can get up and down easily and without disrupting other passengers.

I know this is going to sound a little pissy, too, but since I am already fairly grumpy and my fuse is shorter than usual, when I arrange for my tickets, I request seating away from families with children. All the kid/parent angst and activity adds to my stress. I actually was moved to biz class on my flight home from Greece because the airlines seated me directly behind a family with small children.

If I am on a flight that is 5 hours or less, I take a half a pill 20 minutes before the flight to take the edge off. If it is a longer flight, I wait until I get settled in on the plane and take a whole pill and go to sleep.

I try to be low key and a perfect passenger, too. I mind my own business, ask for very little and just try to sleep

I also bring earplugs, my comfy socks, eye mask and a small down pillow and/or blanket.

I hope this helps a little....in the beginning, I would cry all the way to the airport simply due to the stress., but over time, I have gotten a lot better with all of these little things. They seem to make a difference because I feel better prepared.