A combination of several common tips goes a long way toward preventing flying problems, or at least making them more tolerable. I go with one carry-on, make sure it's a little smaller than the minimum size, bring my own food and drink onto the plane, bring at least one good book if not two, eat in the airport before the flight, and get to the airport a little early. I've never had to check a bag, and I've never had missing or damaged luggage. I've never been bored during flight delays. I've never been hungry or thirsty on flights. A little preparation goes a long way.
Ensure your immune system is in peak condition before traveling by eating plenty of fruit and vegetables prior to your trip. If you feel you need extra help, then stock up on vitamins and supplements to boost your intake; and clear your fridge out before setting off and whip up tasty smoothies and vegetable juices with any leftovers. No decomposed nasties in the fridge to come home to!
When buying airline tickets online, call the airline to get seat assignment immediately if no seat assignment is given. If you arrive at the ticket counter without seat assignment on an overbooked flight, you probably will get bumped off the flight and forced to take a later flight - which can be several hours or even a full day later. Due to overbooking, getting seat assignment in advance can reduce the risk of getting 'bumped'!