A good neck pillow makes all the difference when flying, allowing you to sleep comfortably in a sitting position - most seasoned travelers would not consider flying without one! If you use an inflatable neck pillow, we recommend that you leave it a bit under-inflated so that your head can nestle in comfortably. For longer flights, the addition of eyeshade and earplugs will help you get a bit of shut-eye even if your seat mate wants to watch the movie. Also available are noise cancellation headsets that dramatically reduce high-decibel engine roar, wind noise and other aircraft sounds while delivering wonderfully enhanced audio for music or in-flight movies.

If you experience ear discomfort during take-off and landing, chewing gum can relieve the pressure. Another way to alleviate the pain caused by rapid changes in cabin pressure is by using Ear-Planes, a unique ear plug that equalizes the pressure on your eardrums.

For those with shorter legs, a foot rest will keep your legs from dangling for hours on end. Not only is this uncomfortable, it also restricts circulation to your legs, a possible contributor to deep vein thrombosis (see below). A portable battery-powered fan is cooling and refreshing when the ventilation system leaves something to be desired.

When you combine your hectic travel schedule with the germs floating around in the dry, recirculated cabin air, even normally healthy people can find themselves a bit under the weather. First and foremost, try to get plenty of rest. This helps fight off a cold and minimize jet-lag. For more information, view our article on combating jet-lag. To reduce germs, be sure to wash your hands often or bring along anti-bacterial towelettes. You may want to consider a personal air purifier, a small electronic device worn around the neck that draws in contaminated air and directs purified, germ-free air to your nose and mouth.

Be aware of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). There appears to be a strong correlation between sitting for many hours in a cramped airline seat (or bus, car or train seats) and the possibility of developing DVT in the legs. It is generally agreed that prolonged sitting encourages blood to stagnate in the lower portion of the legs, thereby increasing the odds that a blood clot could form in the veins and perhaps even travel to the lungs. To minimize the risk of DVT, wear support socks, get up and move around the aircraft cabin occasionally (aisle seats make this easier), and exercise your feet and legs four to five minutes every hour when seated. There are special exercise pillows available that make this easy. For more information about DVT, click here.

If you have not flown lately, you may be unaware that most airlines have reduced or eliminated meal service, especially on shorter flights. To stave off hunger, you may want to pack yourself a little snack. Try to avoid items like chocolate that melts, crackers that turn into crumbs or fresh fruit that bruises as you schlep through the airport. Pack granola bars, dried fruit, hard candy, carrot sticks, or other foods that won't spoil, stain or disintegrate. On those flights with meal service, you may want to contact the airline and order a special meal. Most airlines offer a variety of meals such as vegetarian, low-fat, or kosher if you notify them in advance, and in many cases the alternative entree is a cut above standard fare. When traveling with children, check ahead to see if a child's meal is offered - a lifesaver for fussy toddlers. Finally, make sure to hydrate before take off, as you won't be allowed to take your water on board! Staying hydrated helps alleviate jet-lag.

Gone are the days when you would put on your Sunday best and have the entire family "see you off" on a plane trip. Simply said, try to dress for comfort. Starting with your feet, think about wearing loafers. If your feet tend to swell en route, they can be easily slipped off while in your seat and slipped back on for a trip to the lavatory without having to reach down and fumble with laces. Support hose are recommended for the elder traveler or those with poor circulation.

Dress in layers that are easy to add or remove, as you never know whether the cabin will be desert hot or arctic cold. Unless you're a contortionist, avoid sweaters that must be pulled over your head - your row-mates will appreciate it! Select something that is wrinkle resistant and non-binding (elastic waists are good). That way you can be more comfortable for a nap without looking as if you slept in your clothes when you arrive. Easy clean garments are a must since the chance of spilling while dining in the cramped seat space is very likely. Warm up suits are a great choice.

While many airlines have done away with the $5.00 "entertainment fee," not all flights offer in-flight audio or movies, so be sure to pack your own entertainment. The obvious choices are books and magazines (if you plan to read on a night flight, bring along a portable book light to avoid bothering your neighbor). Next up would be the CD or MP3 player. Be sure pack spare batteries. With the advent of DVDs, it is now possible to bring your own movies. Portable DVD players typically cost less than $500 these days, and you may be able rent DVD movies right in the terminal. If you don't want to invest in a portable DVD player, check out your laptop computer. Many new laptops include a DVD or CD drive which will play DVD movies and/or CD audio disks. If you don't own a laptop, check with your company's IT department. Many offer loaner laptops that are nicely equipped. With a little forethought, you can save the Sunday crossword puzzle for a flight later in the week or clip some news articles you had been intending to read. Regardless of what you choose to amuse yourself, bring more than you think you'll need. Three-hour flights can turn into eight-hour ordeals if mechanical problems or bad weather pop up.

Traveling by nature puts us in public places, increasing our exposure to dirt and germs that we otherwise would not encounter. This is especially so with airline seats, pillows, tray tables, seatback sky-phones, and re-circulated cabin air. The caveat to wash your hands often naturally applies. Packing anti-bacterial towelettes is heartily recommended, as they can be used at your seat for your hands, face, or even to wipe down the tray table before your meal. Keep in mind that keeping your mouth closed during a long flight can make your breath stale. Bring along a disposable toothbrush or travel-sized mouthwash in your carry-on bag - the folks at the car-rental counter will appreciate it. Don't forget a brush or comb, make-up, and other sample sized toiletries. You can make your own travel-sized toiletries using Nalgene containers. These are small, plastic squeeze bottles and jars that can be filled with all of your favorites - shampoo, mouthwash, etc.

Travel is hardly the pleasant experience it was in the days of the Pan Am Flying Clipper Ships. But it doesn't need to be the onerous experience it has come to be for many people. A little preparation will make the four hours (or more) you spend "stuck in coach" much more tolerable, and leave you ready to enjoy the destination you have flown so far to experience.