• SOLUTION: Think BYO. Pack a protein snack -- cheese and crackers, or trail mix in a plastic bag. And bring a bottle of water -- it's expensive at the airport. If you decide to grab some food at the airport before your flight, look at a services map before you go through security, since the only thing on the other side may be a McDonald's and a newsstand.
• SNAG: The guy in the seat in front of you has reclined his seat so far back your knees are in your face.
• SOLUTION: If the guy won't compromise, whip out your Knee Defender (www.kneedefender.com), a plastic device that snaps onto your tray table and controls how far your nemesis can put his seat back. Some folks have been known to aim their fresh-air nozzle directly at the noggin of the offending passenger as an incentive to un-recline, but we cannot condone this antisocial behavior.
• SNAG: You can't fall asleep.
• SOLUTION: Pack special noise-reducing earphones to mute engine racket (Bose makes a nice set; www.bose.co.uk/noise_reduction/qc2_headphones) and wear a blindfold. One by Flight 001 comes with a plastic insert so you can alert the flight attendant if you want to be awakened for meals or the duty-free cart (www.flight001.com). Another product, the Dream Helmet (www.dreamhelmet.com) is a combination blindfold and pillow that looks goofy, but effectively blocks out all sound and light. Some people swear by sleeping pills such as Ambien (prescription required).
• SNAG: You're grossed out by the aircraft's oft-used pillows (if you can even find one).
• SOLUTION: Bring your own pillowcase, or even your own mini-pillow. One new stretchable model by Bucky molds to the shape of your body and comes with a snap that allows the pillow to be attached securely to luggage, backpack or carry-on. (www.bucky.com).
• SNAG: You're taking a long flight and worry about DVT (deep-vein thrombosis).
• SOLUTION: You can reduce your chances of getting painful (and sometimes fatal) DVT, which results when blood clots develop in the leg during or after a long-haul flight. Forget about sleeping during the flight; get up at least once an hour and walk through the cabin for a few minutes. Drink plenty of water and wear loose-fitting clothes. Wiggle your toes, make ankle circles and do other stretching exercises in your seat periodically, or bring special prerecorded workout tapes. Those at high risk should consider wearing compression stockings and discuss anticoagulation therapy with their doctors.
• SNAG: Your seatmate won't shut up.
• SOLUTION: Mumble something in fake Croatian and look puzzled. Or slip on a pair of headphones as soon as you sit down, even if there's nothing on the other end. It's a polite way to imply you aren't feeling talkative.
