YOU think you’ve got it bad when your inflight entertainment conks out, the Pixie-Stix addicted kid behind you mistakes the back of your chair for a vertical trampoline, and the plane runs out of “Good Morning Sunshine” cheese boxes? That’s child’s play. Just think of the life that flight attendants face every day, 35,000 feet away from a foot massage and premium whiskey.

    Here are some tips to keep yourself, fellow passengers and flight attendants as happy as possible when flying this summer.

    1 Think about your outfit for your airplane trip. People get on airplanes dressed in ripped shorts, flip-flops, and a tank top and then complain that they are freezing? Well, you can bring along a scarf or jacket which can be used as a pillow too.

    2 If you’re traveling with a pet you might want to ask your vet about a light medication for your animal. It will lessen the stress on your furry friend and you both will arrive at your destination a little less harried.

    3 Of course, price is the primary consideration when you book air tickets. But you need to consider another important factor: the time you have between connecting flights. If you only have 45 minutes or less to connect to another flight, you may end up running through the airport.

    4 While packing, try this: Bring clothes that are old or you’re not crazy about and then just leave them behind during your trip. Your closet gets cleaned out and you have more room in your suitcase for purchases. Lots of times you buy something and it just doesn’t fit perfectly or it’s not your color. So it sits unworn in your closet. Why not just pack it, wear it, and give it away to someone who can use it?

    5 Ask for or book the exit row seats because you will most likely have more room. But what most people don’t know is that it is always colder by the doors and window exits, so dress appropriately. Once most of the people are boarded, start looking around the plane to see which seats are empty. Once everyone is on board you’re allowed to move around your cabin. But you have to be fast because someone else is probably eyeing that aisle seat! And remember you can always move toward the back of the plane.

    6Book the first flight of the day. Yes, you have to wake up really early. But the morning flights have a huge advantage because the airplane is already there. You don’t have to worry about delays or weather in some other city where your plane is flying in from.

    7Flight attendants are cheap dates. Say a passenger brings chocolate for the flight crew. Next thing you know, that passenger gets a free headset or a free drink. It can be something small but it feels so good to be thought of!

    8 On the same thoughtfulness note, preemptive baby apologies are nice. A note may read: “Hi, my name is Jordan and I’m five months old. Sometime during the flight I may get hungry or fed up with sitting on my mom’s lap. So I may cry a bit. Just know that my parents are going to do everything they can to keep me happy and quiet so I don’t bother you!”

    9 If you have any special dietary needs, you should plan ahead. Most likely, there is no vegan, gluten-free option on a flight.

    10 Put any crucial item in your carry-on bag. You would not believe the important items people put in their checked baggage: diapers, medication, inhalers.

    11 It’s also a good idea to have a printed copy of your ID card and passport inside your suitcase in case your carry-on is lost or stolen. You can also scan your ID, passport, and credit cards and email copies to yourself. This way, you can go to any computer and print a copy of your documents.

    (SD-Agencies)