These days, most of us look forward to a plane flight with the same enthusiasm we hold for a tax audit. Even a short flight in a cramped, stuffy, noisy, chilly, dry and pressurized aircraft cabin can seem like an eternity. You don't have to be a long-haul traveler to appreciate flight-comfort products. The wide variety of items designed to make flying more comfortable attests to the rigors of plane travel.

A good neck pillow makes all the difference when flying, allowing you to sleep a little more comfortably in a sitting position - most seasoned travelers would not consider flying without one! If you use an inflatable neck pillow, 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.

Staying Healthy
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. To reduce germs, be sure to wash your hands often or bring along an anti-bacterial product.

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. When traveling with a partner you might also consider booking two aisle seats. This allows you the opportunity to switch seats and stretch out the other leg.

Staving off Hunger
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, be sure bring along plenty of water. Staying hydrated helps alleviate jet-lag, so don't wait for the drink cart to make its painfully slow journey down the aisle!

Dressing for Comfort
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.

Fighting Boredom
Besides the obvious in flight movie and books, 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 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. 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.

Keeping Fresh
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. Wash your hands often and pack anti-bacterial towelettes. 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!
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.