Dear Jewish Fairy Godmother:

My husband and I are headed out on a vacation. Just in the US thank
God so we don’t have to deal with all the hassles of passports,
customs, etc. But neither of us likes to fly (as in my husband threw up
in the bag before takeoff last time) and we are very concerned
because we were unable to get seat assignments together. Are there
magic words I can use to remedy this? I know it sounds trivial, but it
undercutting our anticipation about having fun. And don’t tell me not
to go: the trip is all based around my favorite niece’s B’nai Mitzvah.
We are going, puke or no puke.

Fear of Flying

 
Dear Fear of Flying:

One option would be to drive or take the train, but I’ll assume distance
and/or time preclude that. The simplest solution would be to call the
airlines, and if that fails, tell the stewardesses directly when you board
the same story you told me. She will almost certainly go to his
prospective seatmates, and offer them a chance to change seats with
you. The people assigned to sit next to your husband will likely both be
eager to avoid sitting next to the man who can puke before takeoff. I
certainly would.