I have the same problem. I just can't seem to sleep on an airplane, even at night and even in a lie flat seat. I'm so jealous of the people I see who can sleep for 4-6 hours. I'm the one up and reading all night.
Many of the places I want to visit are far enough away that this is an issue, but I figure I just need some good books loaded on my Kindle.
I started chocheting recently, too. I haven't tried to do it on a flight though (would probably make me airsick so I'm afraid to try) but that seems like a great idea.