Orientation Location Change Request?

Hi all,

So a little background, I got an offer for a SA position in comm. banking from a BB on the East Coast, and I have been assigned to attend orientation about 4 states away which will require flying. I asked my recruiter for clarification about travel arrangements and they told me that I would fly in the day before and fly out the day of after orientation ended - back home, in order to start work at my "home" location the following day.

My problem is that I was under the impression I would not have to travel at all for this position, and the reason I am concerned is because I had a really bad experience last time I flew, and have anxiety about it and the entire rushed process of jetsetting to and from orientation. My recruiter mentioned a location closer to me, (easily within driving distance) but stated they chose to assign me to the state they were located in to be able to meet me and such. My recruiter is a very nice person and the overall culture at this firm seems very accommodating, so my question is, should I ask to be allowed to attend an orientation closer than me to avoid flying? And if so how could I go about it?

I know that most, if not all of you reading this will be scoffing at me for being afraid of flying, but my potential FT is very geographically centered in one area, and is not something like consulting which requires constant traveling. I guess I'm asking that you save your judgements and please advise me to whether or not making such a request would be political/employment suicide and that I should just medicate myself (which I am against) and get on the plane.

Thanks