You can do this! I promise you that it will be fine. The thing about flying is that if you did crash, you would never know or feel a thing. Doesn't that make you feel better? 
I have never even had bad turbulence before, and I've flown so many times. If it helps, ask someone to walk you through step by step so you know what's coming before you get there . . like swiping your card at the check-in kiosk and taking off your shoes at the security checkpoint. Then grabbing a bite to carry on the plane, because the flight to Portland is a bit long. I love flying, although it's not as glamorous as it once was to me. You'll never feel ready if you don't just do it.
Here's to making the trip easier:
1. Don't book super-cheap - research and pick the airline. When you go cheap, you tend to get the super-big-layover airlines. My trip back to Maine last year, I ended up with a 40min layover that turned into 5hrs! The whole trip was troublesome (not just that layover), but I got there and back.
2. Bring some stuff in your carry-on that doesn't run on batteries (or that you have tons of batteries for), or has a rather long run-time. Books are great, an iPod is good, a laptop... not so much.
3. Don't depend on Wi-Fi - they like to charge tremendous fees for it in the airports.
4. Feel free to wander the airports, but remember that the prices put the mall to shame. Some knick-knacks are fine, but generally food will cost you more than you thought was legal.
If I think of any more, I'll try and let you know
You can do this!!! Portland is AMAZING, you will love Powell's (hugest book store EVER). The Oregon coast is a must-see if you have a free day or two. It will be worth it!!
Don't even worry about not knowing what to do. I can't even tell you how many times I've done something silly... held up lines, forgotten my ID (!!!), set off the metal detector, gone through security with a no-no, missed my flight... happens to everyone (at least that's what I tell myself, maybe I'm just a dumbass ).
I've even been on a plane with malfunctioning landing gear (circled NYC for 2 hours before they got it working again), and I lived to tell the tale!
Research and prepare the best you can, give yourself an extra hour or two, and figure it out as you go along. There will be TONS of people around to help, you just have to ask.
After weeding through all the little fears, you just have to deal with the actual fear of flying. Can't help you there, except that I'm sure everyone you know would bet their lives that you will make it across the country and back safely. Hopefully you will be able to convince yourself too!
Waiting in the airport - most airports - is the best thing ever. I love to people watch and there's no better place to do that than in an airport. Go find a bar, sit down, grab a beer and watch. Or read a book.
You'll be fine. FYI, take your shoes off when you put your bags and valuables on the conveyor belt to get scanned. You put them in the gray plastic container.
It's easy. If you have questions, just ask. I just flew to Portland, Maine.
You can totally do this- don't let your fear determine the things you do in life. As a former aircraft mechanic, I can assure you that airplanes are extremely overengineered, and can fly safely even if many things go wrong. It is quite safe. Let me know if you need a pep talk or moral support and I am here for you.
Thank you SO much, guys. It's like I know everything will be OK, but then the fear creeps back in. I will do it. It's just a matter of when. I think baby steps are a good choice for now. Possibly a short flight to Raleigh. I'll keep you all posted!
Hey Cutie: Here is my deep dark secret. Over the last 5 years I too have developed a fear of flying. Mostly I hate the stressful way airports make me feel. However, I haven't let it stop me. The strange is that I am actually a license pilot...go figure. My last trip to Finland (where I brought your presents still to be mailed), was helped along by my doctor...she gave me some ATIVAN which is an anti-anxiety medication. I hate drugs but this one works. At least for me. One other thought for you...you have to come to Portland and get your gifts! As one newspaper person to another...hang in there.
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