If I sit on an inside seat in the back of the plane facing forward, and I look up and see all those people coming on board, in between me and the exit, I start to lose it. I begin contemplating crawling over the people between me and the aisle.
If I sit up front, on the aisle, those reactions are much diminished.
If I fly Southwest, and sit on one of the rearward-facing seats, I have no problems at all. NONE.
Unggggh...yeah, that bothers me, too. As do most any crowd situations, ESPECIALLY indoors. Anything where I feel like I can't move away quickly.
Worst time I can remember, I went to a youth convention dealie with one brother. It was supposed to be all outdoors, but then a HUGH lightning storm came through, and they crowded us all into the few buildings in the area, which really weren't big enough. I remember standing against a wall trying not to hyperventilate or scream. Took all my concentration.
My brother ended up holding my hand so I wouldn't lose it. As teenagers. No matter how many times he's been irritating since then...I guess I owe him one. ;-)