How do I keep my kid from acting up when traveling by air?

Sleeping pills.

Gameboy
psp
coloring books
books
toys

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Threaten them. Bribe them. Make sure they are tired when you arrive at the airport. Take them to the playground or on a 2 mile run before traveling so they will be happy to sit for a couple of hours. Buy them new gameboys or games for the trip.

tell you ur kid ull beat his ass if he dont sit his monkey ass down.

Open the planes widows and through him out.

Bring his or her favorite snacks, and toys, and fly around nap time or at night so they will hopefully sleep most of the way.

You should bring some stuff to keep him/her busy. Something they like, maybe a coloring book or something. I don't think a toy is that great since they can throw it at you and hurt someone.

More times than I can count I have seen children just get way bored on a flight and start misbehaving. Its not really their fault. This has only been a thought, but it might be worth talking over with your doctor, or your child's doctor--are there any temporary relaxants that might relax the child for a few hours, the duration of the flight. Help him or her just sleep through the whole thing, maybe. Adults have the option of alcohol or even prescriptions like xanax to relax with so its not unreasonable to think there might be something that would be medically appropriate for children--and NOT as a regular medication, just for special, occasional use.

First of all, you want to be sure they are not congested, because they can have ear trouble on a flight if they are congested. Bring along some gum if they are old enough for it, that they can chew during descending, so it won't bother their ears as much.
Bring lots of quiet activities to keep them busy, like picture books and puzzles and coloring books.
Bring along some snacks, too.
Be sure they have used the restroom before boarding.
Perhaps offer them a reward for good behavior on the flight, and be specific about what behavior you expect.