How to cope with flying when you hate flying

For the kind of lifestyle I lead, hating flying is not one of the most desirable traits to have. Fortunately as a vagabond who spends 2-3 months in each destination, at least it means I'm not commuting weekly by plane like I used to in the corporate rat race.

Nevertheless I hate flying. I'm not scared of it, nor have a phobia - I simply hate the whole process of hanging around in dirty airports, sitting on a dirty plane and breathing dry, dirty air. And no, I'm not obsessive compulsive about being clean either.

These days I'm slightly more relaxed about it than before and use the following tactics to make flights that bit more bearable...

• Take full advantage of prior online check-in if I haven't already done so using this service and book my desired seats in conjunction with SeatGuru so I get the *best* seats available.

• Wear the most comfortable clothes possible (sweatpants, hooded cotton top and slip-on style shoes) - definitely function over fashion for me and I'm in awe of people who look so glamorous when they fly.

• Put everything I know I'm likely to need on board in a separate small bag inside my main bag which I can pull out at the beginning of a flight and put back in again easily at the end of a flight.

• Load up some relaxing tunes on the iPod which I know will help me just zone out during the flight.

• Avoid alcohol completely and always have a cup/bottle of water available (particularly on night flights) to help combat dry mouth.

• Book special meals (usually low sodium) which means you usually get served them first

What tips do you have to make flying more comfortable?