I think I've finally mastered air travel (for me - YMMV)
I hate flying.
I don't do it much, due to finances and such. But, I did have to fly over the holiday weekend as there was a big family reunion in honor of my husband's 91 year old grandmother. Not really something you want to miss out on "just because".
All my adult life, I've been terrified of flying. But, I think I've finally found a formula that works. I'm sharing it here just on the off-chance it might help someone else.
1) Noise canceling headphones. Pricey, but WORTH IT!!
2) Benedryl. I take two as soon as I'm seated. By the time we're going down the runway, I'm already loopy, and I doze through much of the flight. Alcohol DOES NOT WORK FOR ME in this situation. The only downside is that I remain somewhat doped up the rest of the day, but again, worth it.
3) iPod. I have a playlist of music I find comforting and relaxing. It helps. I don't quite get to my "happy place" but I get to my "OK place".
4) Something to read. If I'm awake enough. I always bring my battered old copy of "Emma." It has a soothing familiarity. It also takes me to another time and place.
5) Pack light, and have everything organized and ready two days before departure. Going through security and such is stressful enough without juggling a disorganized mess.
6) Once seated, get all your comforts out and as organized as possible. It keeps you busy and provides a sense of calm and control.
7) If so inclined, get in touch with your spirituality, whatever form that takes. Recognize that some things are beyond your control, traveling or not.
That's all I've got.
The rest is up to the universe.....
= new reply since forum marked as read
Forgot to mention that!
Thanks!
Whatever works is what you need to do, and I'm so glad you found it.
It's been a process, and this was my most successful trip so far, so I thought I'd share in case it might help another person like me.
but, that doesn't work for me either....
It's the first 2 1/2 minutes of this video:
http://www.veoh.com/watch/v6265479ZG9XYRxY
Have you tried practicing your mantra? 
I was wondering why the plane was empty!
I recently traveled to Europe and had to endure an 8 hour flight from Atlanta to London, then a 10 hour return flight from Rome to Atlanta. UGH!!!! There's something about flying over the ocean that freaks me out.
I do all the things you've listed, plus for these flights, had my own touch screen tv, so I watched some movies and played bejeweled (mindless, passed the time). Even taking the benadryl, I can't actually "sleep", just doze in and out. Like you I learned that alcohol is a bad idea, it only makes me uncomfortable and more nervous.
Some people love to fly, I don't get it! 
and on long flights, stinkiest air imaginable, fed bad food (if at all), waiting in line for a gross, tiny toilet.....
It's either freezing or roasting, no comfortable way to sleep without waking up with a crick.
And all that's with the fear factor removed!!!
People who love to fly must be either pilots or those that can afford first class. Otherwise, they must be masochists!
That's where the noise-reducing headphones are a lifesaver. They must feel the same way I do, only as an adult, it's unacceptable for me to cry and scream, lol!
But, yeah! The headphones are, as you say, a LIFESAVER in that department!!
Being a summer holiday weekend, both flights were PACKED with babies and toddlers.
I don't get it.
It's MISERABLE for them, because I'm sure their ears are hurting like hell with the pressure changes, and they don't know how to "pop" them purposely yet.
Why do their parents put them through that? It just seems like torture!
I get that sometimes an emergency could force a family to fly, but WHY do it for a pleasure trip?
It's not fair to them, it's not fair to the other passengers and crew, and I would THINK would significantly bum the parents out as well.
(now I'll get responses by the dozens that all THEIR children flew with NO PROBLEMS EVER! But if that's the case, why don't I ever get flights with THEM?)
I will check with my doc on that next time I fly.
I can't do chewing gum, unfortunately. I have a jaw problem and I bite myself, no matter how careful I try to be.
So, I swallow and yawn.
Back when my husband used to get a lot of frequent flyer miles, we took a few overseas trips (such days are gone now) and we were able to get some really good coach seats for most of those flights. We often had to pay an additional fee for them, but it was money well spent.
Thanks for the reminder about the importance of small upgrades!!
