How to Stay Sane Throughout a Flight

Whether you're flying from city to city or across the globe, airplane rides can be treacherous if you aren't prepared. You may be situated between two people who know each other (and thus talk the entire flight) or have a perpetual seat-kicker sitting behind you. Whatever your flight angst may be, preparing yourself before you head into the air is a must. Learn how to keep your calm when flying on an airplane.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• An airplane ticket
• Patience
• An iPod or Walkman
• A newspaper

1. Pick your airline wisely. Everyone knows that JetBlue Airlines is infamous for its mini televisions per passenger. If you can't stand missing your soaps or the evening news, be sure to book a flight where you have access to television.
2. If you get motion sickness and hate the thought of being suspended in the air for any timespan at all, knock yourself out. Not literally. Take a sleeping pill or consult your doctor for an anxiety-reducing prescription. Take motion sickness pills. You'd be surprised at how well they assist you.
3. Remember that your seat assignment is temporary. It may seem like the end of the world if you're squished between a loud family on their way to Disney World, but have patience. Your flight will soon be over and you can forget the hassle of hearing, "Are we there yet?" for the umpteenth time.
4. Strike up a conversation with the person sitting next to you. But, remember not to intrude. If that person seems friendly, it's fine to ask where they're going and have small talk together. However, have some tact. If the person is a businessman cradling a Blackberry and his laptop, it may be wise to leave him be.
5. Listen to an iPod or Walkman. Nothing passes the time like listening to your favorite tunes. But, be sure to follow the airplane restrictions for take off and landing policies.
6. At least once or twice during a flight, take a walk to the bathroom to stretch your legs. You'll not only alleviate any leg cramps you're acquiring, but you'll feel less anxious than if you were confined to your seat the entire ride.
7. If you hate the idea of being cramped throughout a long flight, upgrade to business or first class. Sure, your ticket may be a bit higher than in economy, but the leg room and privacy you'll have is priceless.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you're well fed and hydrated before a long flight.
• Never snap at a crying child or confront a parent attempting to quiet an infant down. They're probably embarrassed enough without you letting them know how annoying their child is being.