The Wall Street Journal today reported that airlines have yet to act on recommendations to improve airplane air quality, a year after those steps were proposed by an industry blue-ribbon panel. The recommendations, the Journal notes, included "voluntary standards for onboard air circulation, lower ozone exposure, new monitoring for contaminated air from oil or hydraulic fluid leaks, and limits on pesticides used on planes."

That news adds insult to injury in an environment in which summer travelers are experiencing ever-shrinking amenities and higher fees. Still, there are steps you can take to make your air travel healthier and more comfortable; click here for our advice from Consumer Reports Health.

And, if you can put up with that stale air and are willing to do a bit of legwork, you can save a bundle on air travel now. Check out our latest article on travel deals from the Consumer Reports August issue.