by Ann Druce

Created on: July 28, 2008

I love to travel. At one point I used to travel business class, but since I started my own ad agency and am paying my own bills, I always fly economy. But even in economy you can be comfortable.

1. Never carry excess cabin luggage
I never cease to be fascinated by people who lug heavy bags onto the plane. Cabin baggage is not an excuse for free excess baggage; you should only take what you need onto the flight: something to read, your laptop if you are going to need it on your trip, your cosmetics and a pair of slippers. And anything you normally carry in your handbag. Do you really want to spend the 2 hour check-in time with a bag that weighs 10kg over your shoulder?

2. Use your cabin luggage
There is not much point in carrying a cabin bag, only to deposit it in the overhead compartment and not look at it until you disembark. If that is all you plan to do, check your luggage! I have frequently hopped onto a plane for a short flight carrying nothing but my handbag and a book. So much simpler that trying to find space in the overcrowded overhead compartment.

3. Choose overnight flights for longer trips
Daytime flights leave me exhausted and out of sorts. The inevitable lack of activity and fresh air mean I arrive feeling like I have spent hours in an airless cave. But if I can settle myself, have dinner and read a book or watch a movie before I go off to sleep, the lack of activity is less noticeable.

4. Keep to your bed time routine
I can sleep anywhere, but I do understand that not everyone finds it easy. But there are things you can do to encourage sleep. Pack your cleanser and moisturiser into your hand luggage and then actually use it. After dinner, stroll off to the toilet with your wash bag and brush your teeth, clean your face and give yourself a serious dose of night cream. Don't fret about hogging the bathroom, they are usually quiet and underutilised after dinner anyway.

Planes are very dry, and using a rich moisturiser really does help. But it isn't just about looking after your skin keeping to your regular bed-time routine will keep you on schedule and remind your subconscious that it is time to sleep.

Invest in one of those nerdy neck cushions, particularly if you are a woman or a short man. The head rests are never the right height!

Don't over-indulge in the on-flight movies. If you have a personal movie screen you can obviously choose your own timing, but if you are dependent on a shared viewing, you'll often find the movie will start late and keep you

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