Comfortable In-flight Gear? Suit Yourself!

In this do-it-yourself era of stripped-down in-flight services, you have to make your own comfort. How to do that without wearing your PJs (or looking like it) and without schlepping too much gear? Remember, these days you're likely to be on a small commuter flight with very little carry-on space.

Here's the list I check off before every trip for, especially as a woman business traveler:

Best luggage:

• Briggs & Riley -- lighter weight than anything else I've tried, lifetime guarantee -- even if damaged by the airlines! -- and discreetly stylish colors that mix well with other black pieces in my collection.

Best shoes:

• Slide-ons, whether flat or well-supported low heels, for passing through security easily, and easy to change or stow under the seat in front of you once you're onboard.

Best gear to keep warm:

• Socks -- tuck in your pocket book or carry-on, then slip on once you're in your seat.
• Lightweight rayon pashmina -- to pack flat or folded in a computer case or carry-on personal bag whether you can find a blanket or not. Available for $10-20 in many colors in most airports.
• Sleeveless vest -- especially quilted or lightweight fleece versions that pack flat and are warm, but non-confining, for layering. (I keep a black cotton quited vest with me and it works at my destinations with most anything I wear, including business attire.)

Best overall clothing:

• Skirts -- always wear them! Mid-calf or longer, they keep your legs warm and they certainly are easier to navigate in tiny bathrooms. However, as of fall 2008, they slow down your trip through airport security, as this link notes.

Best back support:

• After trying many, Pocket Pillow, which packs flat, inflates and was recommended by my chiropractor, is the winner. It moves with you, as opposed to the too-firm varieties. Just let the air out when you're landing and repack.

Best head and neck support:

• Tempur-pedic Travel Pillow -- shapes to your weight and body shape and rolls up for easy packing. It's also a necessity for any hotel bed despite the hotel bedding "pillow wars." Forget the pillows supplied by airplanes -- they make little difference (although I will snap up one to sit on in case I get a sagging seat) and often haven't been cleaned since the last passenger.

Best extras (that are really necessities):

• Fold-up carry-on Longchamp bag -- comes in all sizes, can be emptied and packed inside another bag to get through security, serves an add-on for extras that you accummulate on your trip, and more. I don't travel without at least two -- one mid-size, that can serve as my pocketbook at my destination and a large one that holds all other carry-ons to get through security within carry-on limits upon my return.
• Quart-size sealable bags for security checkpoints -- some airports don't give them out free at security, so you can never have enough (for you or the traveler next in line). They have novel and seemingly unlimited uses.
• Mycra Pac micro fiber blend raincoat with hood -- thin, rolls up or bags easily and a necessity for switching flights when you have to trek across the rainy or snowy tarmack and dries easily. (Small umbrellas don't cover you entirely, require another pair of hands and often break.)
• Antibacteria hand gel (and use it frequently).

Best way to keep other people out of your comfort zone:

• iPod (or similar) -- I do not budge from home without my iPod Shuffle.