When I was a kid, I loved flying. Airports were exciting and drinking a cup of Sprite, eating peanuts, and watching a movie on the plane were the best ways I could think of to spend a day traveling. But now I'm older and a frequent flyer, and airports and airplanes haves quickly lost their charm. I'm usually frustrated with the cost of parking in a spot that's a million miles away from my terminal, luggage that is too heavy, security that never fails to find a reason to pat me down, or the snot-nosed teenager sitting next to me on the plane who doesn't understand the concept of personal space. And if I'm not irritated, I'm bored out of my mind. Most of my flights are all-day affairs, and I quickly run out of things to do. Because of my dislike for flying, I sometimes find myself taking measures like staying up all night the day before a flight so that I will go comatose on the plane and be blissfully unaware of what's going on around me.

I know that I should probably be grateful that I have the opportunity to fly and that I can get to where I need to go in such a relatively short amount of time. And although I may have an inordinate amount of hatred for flying, I know that many other people who are also frequent flyers don't mind flying at all. Some even like it. Any person who flies frequently, however, would probably appreciate more and better services to help his or her flying experience to go a little more smoothly. So from one flyer to another, here are a few basic suggestions based on personal experience to make traveling by plane slightly less awful.

#1 Airport parking--it's expensive and it's usually far away from the terminal, and lonesome flyers like myself have to cart bags on and off the shuttle. I live closest to the SaltLakeInternationalAirport, and luckily, there are some good alternatives to Salt Lake airport parking such as off-airport parking that is close and includes 24-hour on-demand shuttle service so you can get to the terminals faster than with traditional airport shuttles. Other organizations around the country also offer similar airport parking services that often include free car washes, covered parking, maintenance services, free newspapers, and more. Airport parking services help your make your transportation to the airport more efficient and more convenient, and it's usually cheaper than parking on-site.

#2 If you don't fly first class--and if I'm fronting the bill, I certainly don't--try to reserve a seat in the exit row. This may take some extra planning in advance, but if you're anything over five feet tall, your legs will thank you. Exit rows always have extra room to stretch out and can provide an added measure of breathing space to help you feel a little less claustrophobic.

#3 Staying hydrated and moisturized on flights is crucial to help prevent jetlag and dry skin that can result from the dry air on planes. Of course, with the security restrictions on liquids, you can't lug around a gallon jug of body lotion, but you can usually bring a bottle of water and a small container of lotion (I recommend water-based lotions versus oil-based to help with hydration and prevent skin breakouts).

#4 If you're like me and you prefer to block out the world around you on a plane, make sure you bring noise-cancelling earphones. They more effectively block outside noise than other earphones (especially those sorry-excuse-for-headphones known as iPod earphones). They are also safer for your ears, as you won't have to continue cranking up the volume to hear over the drone of the plane engine.

#5 My next suggestion is a lesson many frequent flyers have already learned, but it's important so I'm going to say it anyway--pack light. Lugging around heavy bags is not fun, especially heavy carry-ons. The best way that I've found to pack light is to strip myself of all ambition when packing for a trip. I'm not going to be able to read five novels on the plane or at my destination, so I take at least three out. Also, remember that you can wash your clothes wherever you go (even if you're staying in a hotel, buy a small thing of Woolite and wash them in the sink), so just bring a few favorite items.

#6 Be prepared to battle with boredom while flying or waiting in an airport. Too many times, I bring work with me thinking I'll get ahead, or bring a classic novel to read in an effort to be more cultured. When flying, indulge yourself. Don't be responsible and pretend you'll accomplish anything of importance while flying. Get everything you need done the night before, and bring forms of entertainment that realistically, you know will help you pass the time. Another key to fighting boredom is variety. Bring three or four activities to entertain yourself such as a Sudoku or crossword puzzle book, a portable DVD player, or even better, look into viewing movies on your mp3 player to prevent adding more weight to your luggage. Personally, I enjoy watching TV dramas that I haven't seen before while flying because they are intriguing and one season of a show provides enough entertainment for over twenty hours.

#7 My last suggestion is to eat a good meal during your layover. As we all know, airport food is notoriously bland and expensive. Instead of spending five bucks on a low-quality burger, spend an extra five bucks and eat at one of the restaurants in the airport that offer fresh salads, cooked-to-order meats, and more. If you're tired and have a long time to wait until your flight takes off, a restaurant meal can be just the thing to make you feel a bit better. You've already spend a few hundred dollars on the plane ticket. Another few bucks isn't going to make much of a difference to your wallet, but it can make a big difference in improving your traveling experience.

By following these seven tips you can have a better overall flying experience--everything from convenient airport parking services to a happier stomach. Flying may never be my favorite way to spend a day, but with a little extra effort and thought, it can definitely be bearable.