Choosing a good seat on a long airplane ride can go a long way in assuring your comfort during the flight. Both aisle and window seats have their advantages; it's up to the traveler to decide which is most appropriate and comfortable for him. Keep in mind, however, that a window seat means no one will be climbing over you to go to the lavatory, you have control over the window shade, and you have something to lean against when sleeping. Avoid middle seats, as well as the last row of seats near the lavatories. While tall passengers often scramble for bulkhead or exit row seats because of the extra legroom, those seats often don't recline, making it difficult to get any in-flight sleep.
You'll keep headaches to a minimum if you stick to the baggage restrictions and requirements and refrain from over-packing. Overhead luggage bins are always filled quickly, and you don't want to be the passenger holding up the flight while your oversized bag is checked or you search for available storage space on the plane. It's best to check all of your bags and take only a small handbag or briefcase on board. When the plane lands, you can exit the plane quickly, unencumbered by heavy luggage.
Choose comfort and convenience when deciding what to wear on your plane ride. Keep in mind that not only will you need to be warm and comfortable on the plane, you'll also be going through security checkpoints at the airport, where you'll have to remove shoes, belts and possibly other garments as well. Keep your outfit simple; slip-on shoes with thick socks, shirts with no buttons and pants without a belt will help minimize time spent in security areas in addition to keeping you warm and comfortable during the flight.
It's natural to want some on-board diversions to help pass the time, but don't make the mistake of packing a lot of books, magazines and crossword puzzles you never touch. Check with the airline regarding in-flight entertainment; many airlines now have personal screens for every seat, meaning that passengers can watch television shows or movies throughout the flight. Stick to one book you're genuinely interested in, your mp3 player and one magazine you haven't yet read. These should fit easily into your carry-on bag. Finally, if you plan to consume alcohol during the flight, take cash in your carry-on bags. Some airlines do not accept credit or debit cards.
