As a fellow migraineur, I can sympathize. My worst was leaving IAD with migraine for a 24 hour extravaganza to ORD-NRT-HKG-SIN. My thoughts while getting on the plane were NOT good. Fortunately I had 2 days to recover before I started my presentations.

If not for the post-9/11 situation, I would suggest bringing on a machete and just cut your head off -- I am kidding of course, but as you can probably attest, by only a little. I have times where I've wanted to do that.

More practically --
When travelling, I would be sure to have several different ways to attack the migraine. Of course, discuss with your primary doc or neurologist.

1 If Imitrex has not helped you, then consider switching to another in the same class of medication. Some people have different responses to different ones, even though they are chemically very similar. If you get the migraines often enough, ask for a different one (Relpak, etc) and try before a long trip.

2. If you can take narcotics, I would ask for Tylenol #3 or Vicodin to keep in reserve (whatever works and you can tolerate).

3. I have also found that naproxen (Alleve) sometimes work -- it is not FDA approved for migraines, but it has been prescribed often for migraines. The usual dose is equivalent to 2.5 - 3 tablets of Alleve 2x/day. (If you are sensitive to these pain meds, take with some antacid like Maalox).

3. And also ask for as sleeping med -- sometimes just getting knocked out is the only way to let it resolve.

4. Finally, I have found that sometimes an icepak numbs up my face enough to keep the pain to a minimum until something kicks in. Carry a small icebag with you and the FA's will be happy to keep it filled with ice.

Good luck, "I share your pain"