20 travel survival tips

If you have miles, use those rewards. You will thank yourself when you are in first class, like this a reporter in a first-class seat of the double-decker Lufthansa Airbus A380.

Sometimes, we don’t have the miles for first class but premium economy, like this premium economy onboard the new Qantas A380 flagship the ‘Nancy-Bird Walton,’ is do-able. The tickets may be slightly more expensive, but you will receive priority check-in, extra legroom and larger seats.

If you have the option, try to avoid traveling during times when you know there will be tons of little kids and babies, like weekends from New York to Orlando, Fla.

The last thing you need is for the iPad holding all ofyour books, all your movies and all your flight’s entertinament to die. Make sure it’s charged.

If you forget to grab your pillow from home on the way out, most airports also sell small travel pillows. In the end, your neck will thank you.

Pack an eye mask so no matter what time your flight is or who you end up sitting next to, you can close your eyes and drift off to sleep with ease.

You cannot always count on the in-flight entertainment. Sometimes the movie won’t play or it is something you have seen already. Set yourself up with backups of movies that will keep you entertained the whole flight.

True, you will probably need more stuff when going on a longer flight, but be careful when you pack your bags. Remember you will still have to bring all of those big bags through the security line and haul them onto the plane. Be realistic about what you will need for the time you are on the plane.

Give yourself plenty of time before your flight takes off. That includes maybe leaving some extra time to browse the gift shop or food court. You don’t need to start off your long flight by panicking your way through the airport. Or worse, missing your flight.

If you don’t have a favorite seat and all of the seats in the front with more legroom are already taken, head to the back of the plane. With everyone trying to get a seat in front, you are more likely to get an empty seat or two next to you.

As soon as you take a seat on the flight, make sure to change your watch to the time zone of your destination. That way, no matter what you are doing, you will know what time it is.

One of the best things to do to combat jet lag is to hydrate. You can also spend the days before your flight adjusting your sleeping patterns, book your flight so that it arrives during the day and try to be well-rested before you fly.

Listening to podcasts will not only keep you entertained for hours, but they also use less battery power than watching a movie.

Being extra nice to other people usually means they will return the favor. And when you’re on a long cramped flight, being friendly with the flight attendants is not a bad thing. It will up your chances of prederential treatment. It’s also the right thing to do for people who will look after you during your flight.

Rarely do you get a chance to sit down for a long period of time with little to no distractions. This flight is your chance to get those creative juices going with some coloring, writing or drawing.

Drinking booze is not a good way to cope with your long flight. Not only will it dehydrate you, making you more vulnerable to jet lag, but you will also be more likely to have to use those tiny bathrooms.

If you are traveling, you are most likely taking time off from work, which may pile up in your absence. If you have any small tasks you can get done to get ahead of your workload, now is the time.