Baggage rules vary by airline, so always check with your airline for exact specifications. Most airlines allow each passenger to carry on one bag sized to fit in their overhead bins and one personal item, such as a purse or laptop. US Transportation Security Administration restrictions forbid you to bring on any sharp items or liquids larger than 3.4 ounces, or that in total cannot fit in a 1-quart bag. Most airlines charge a fee, usually $20 or more, even for your first bag, and they'll charge you even more if your bag is large or weighs more than 50 pounds.
When you're booked on a flight, most airlines allow you to choose a seat via their website. Aisle seats offer extra legroom and easy access if you like to get up and move around, but passersby and beverage carts will brush you throughout the flight. Window seats are ideal if you want to be undisturbed, but you might have to crawl over sleeping seatmates to use the restroom. Middle seats offer the worst of both worlds. Seats in the front row, known as bulkhead seats, and seats in the emergency exit rows offer extra legroom, but many airlines charge for those.
When flying, you should wear comfortable, loose clothes. Avoid tight shoes, as your feet might swell during a flight. A blanket or jacket will keep you warm if the cabin is chilly. Air France recommends getting up every few hours to walk the aisle or do light exercise. Airline cabins are notoriously dry, so drink plenty of water and carry on skin and lip moisturizer. If you wear contacts, you might want to take them out and opt for glasses to prevent them from drying in your eyes, particularly if you plan to sleep. Earplugs or noise-canceling headphones can be valuable against chatty seatmates, loud snorers or crying children.
When flying across multiple time zones, you'll need to help your body adjust to avoid exhaustion known as jet lag. Avoid alcohol and caffeine on the day of your flight and load up on water and juice. Do your best to relax and sleep at least three or four hours on the flight, but avoid sleeping pills. Bring on a bit of toothpaste and face cleanser to freshen up in the restroom shortly before landing, and once you arrive, avoid long naps until it's bedtime at your destination.
Delays and cancellations, be they from weather, mechanical problems or airport congestion, unfortunately are a necessary risk with air travel. Early morning flights usually are less subject to delays, and it's easier to rebook on the same day if your flight is canceled. Keep your airline's 24-hour reservation number handy. If your flight is canceled, call it immediately to secure a new flight while you wait in line for an agent. Know your airline's cancellation policy. Most airlines will provide you with accommodations when stranded only when a cancellation is their fault, not in uncontrollable circumstances such as weather.
