1 Dress appropriately for safety and security. Though rare, airline accidents do happen. Should it become necessary to evacuate the plane by using that inflatable slide, or worse, walking out onto the wing, the last things you want to be wearing are shorts, a tank top or spike heels. Keep it simple: cotton or other natural fiber clothing (synthetics are more flammable), long sleeves and pants, sensible shoes, preferably sneakers. If you don't wear sneakers, wear sturdy, comfortable shoes that are easy to put on and remove for security. Slip-on athletic or walking shoes are a good choice.

• Keep your footwear on at all times on the plane. The last thing you want is fumbling with them when an emergency arises.

2 Bring important documents. Bring your visa, passport, tickets, and other documents you may need when you are on this trip. Be sure to bring these in your carry on or pockets—not in your checked luggage!

• Photocopy important documents. Keep one copy of your documents with you but separate from the original. Leave another copy to a trusted friend at home. These copies will help in replacing your documents if you lose your luggage.

3 Print your boarding pass at home. If you purchase your ticket online, several airlines now allow you to print your boarding pass before you even get to the airport, why not skip the line.

4 Take your own pillow and blanket. Long flights, particularly overseas, can be almost unbearable without these essential comfort items. This doesn't mean you need to bring your bed pillow and your down comforter. Check out travel stores and websites for neck pillows and blankets that fold to the size of a DVD case. The neck pillow by roamwild is very good as it supports the full weight of your head allowing you to rest like you are in a bed!  You never know who might have used the airline's pillows and blankets before you, or what their hygiene practices are -- or aren't.

5 When you are traveling overseas on a night flight, Sleep! You will want to eat and watch the movie, but when you get there, it may be morning depending on where you are going, and having jet lag  is no fun.

• As much as possible, sleep according to what time it is where you are going. You may not be able to eliminate jet lag entirely, but you can lessen it.  The roamwild surround travel cushion is great for allowing you to sleep well on a plane

6 Bring your own meal or snacks. Many airlines have eliminated this 'frill' and the packed meals they provide for a charge are often pretty bad. Make sure you avoid liquids (drinks, soups, etc.) which might not pass security inspection and are messy to deal with. Instead, try foods like sandwiches, chips, cookies, and cut up fruits and vegetables.

7 Stay Hydrated.   Air in airplanes is often very dry. You can take an empty water bottle through security and fill it once inside, or you can purchase a bottled drink inside security. If dry skin is a problem, you may also wish to use plenty of moisturizing lotion or cream. Avoid consuming excessive amounts of alcohol and salt.

8. Take a pen for completing forms on overseas trips.

9. The only way you can make a plane late is by delaying boarding, so don't stand in the aisle unless you have no choice, load up the overhead compartment quickly, and sit down as fast as you can. Keep the items you'll want at your seat in a small bag so you don't need to rummage around. Put your jacket under the seat in front, or take it off before entering the aircraft.

10. Remember that flight attendants aren't there just to serve drinks. Their main job is to keep every passenger safe. Federal law and international aviation laws require that all passengers follow flight crew verbal instructions. Respect their authority and follow their instructions.