There was a time when the thought of an upcoming flight ramped up my anxiety days in advance. This started after I had kids. It lasted until about eight years ago or so. With exposure and the use of anti anxiety meds, I managed to desensitize myself. I don't need meds any more and the only things that make me unsettled now are getting to the flight on time and making connections.
Sure, I still don't enjoy turbulence...who does? And yes, some unwanted thoughts of what "could happen" come and go. But for the most part I like being up in the air, looking down on creation, checking out the clouds, and at night, watching the stars.
I used to have dreams about getting on an airplane. In these dreams the actual flying part of was missing. I was one place, got on the plane and then was in another. It was like I held such fear even my subconscious didn't want the experience. Isn't that weird?
Now when a person near me on a flight is nervous about it, I can tell. I have great empathy for them. If they want to talk, I'll talk. But mostly they're like I was and go into themselves. I still send them good thoughts and energy, though, because I understand how it is.