Hi there John B,
Sorry to hear about your Grandaughter's plight and I really hope you can resolve it as she shouldn't have to miss out on the magic that is Arillas as hopefully it will be a new generation of Arilliacs in the making and she will want to return again and again.
In a small way I understand what she's going through as my boyfriend Christian and I first flew to Corfu 7 years ago - but what I didn't know is, that he hadn't flown before.
I just assumed we were getting on the plane (part of the general holiday excitement) but didn't realise how fearful he was - not helped, I hasten to add by a big old bruiser of a guy sitting besides him who started to pray as we were hurtling down the runway.
It was a long time ago and for the most part Christian has managed to conquer his fears, but it took a little while and really came about because he went onto the internet, researched everything he could about flying so began to understand the process a bit more.
I'm certainly not advocating that for a twelve year old, it's not the sort of thing I'm sure she would want to do, but you could maybe point out that being in the air is the safest part of the flight - without going into any particular sort of detail.
Thinking about this, I reckon that distraction might be the best course of action. As a young girl, she might be interested in the stewardesses etc and it might be an idea if you could have a word with them and get them to get involved, make a little fuss of her, maybe get the Captain to give her a mention over the tannoy - that sort of thing.
I know it's pretty difficult when so many of the airlines have such a quick turnaround etc but there has to be a way of if not removing her fear, at least distracting her from it.
I don't know useful this will be to you, but one things for certain, I really, really hope that you make it and tell her that when you arrive, you'll take her into Yiotta's shop who has the most amazing clothes, make-up jewellry and she can pick out something lovely!!!
Good luck to you all.
BeckyB x