Lol! I'm only 28, but now I really feel I have a lot in common w/ "little ol' ladies"--anxiety, diet restrictions, morning walks...
My understanding is that Buspar doesn't work for panic attacks, which is why I also have the prescription for a benzodiazepene. Since it's mainly for GAD and takes a considerable amount of time before it works, I wonder how it helps your friend if she takes it before getting on an airplane? Maybe she means she takes a benzo in addition to it?