Surviving Those Horrific Long Haul Flights... In Coach

Let's be honest - any amount of time over an hour on an airplane is kind of awful, unless you are in first/business class. And since no one I know is that fancy... here are a few of my thoughts on how to make the experience a little less painful (cause it is going to hurt - your body, your ears, your everything).

Anyone have any other good tips? I am always looking for ways to improve that experience!

• Think about all of the things you are going to want on that flight – iPad/Kindle, magazines, contact case, meds, lotion, eye mask, blanket & pillow. Get it all packed in small bag that you can quickly pull out of your carry-on when you get on the plane, and keep it the seat back pocket.  Get everything else up in the overhead bin and save yourself some leg room!
• I am a big fan of taking a sleep aid before a flight (or right as they serve dinner, depending on the length of the flight). In some of the best situations, I've fallen asleep right after dinner and woken up for breakfast just before landing, completely refreshed and ready to go. 
• I try to always bring my own blanket and neck pillow – and then only use what the airline provides as back support or on my feet.  You don’t want all those germs near your face!
• Try to avoid the booze. I can rarely do it, because I love that happy happy place that wine gets me, but it really does make the sleep worse and the jet lag harder.
• HYDRATE. Seriously. Buy the biggest water bottle you can get when you get through security, drink it, and then ask the flight attendants to refill it.  Your skin (and your jet lag) will thank you.