On the plane

Take your shoes off once the plane has taken off (respectfully: if your feet have an odour, keep them on).

Flying has been proven to dehydrate you quickly. Drink plenty of water. Alcohol makes the dehydration caused by cabin pressurization worse.

Putting it off only adds discomfort and makes the flight feel longer.

Aisle: to stretch your legs. Window: to lean on and sleep. Near the bulkheads: more babies. Front: quicker exit. Avoid the window over the wings (limited view, noisier at night).

Don't use the seat in front of you to pull yourself up, or jab the touchscreen with your finger. Be patient: not everyone enjoys flying.

Essential for filling out customs and immigration forms or the tourist card. Good to have on you at all times, too.

Travelling as a pair and want to kill time: paper, pencil, two grids numbered 1-12 and A-L. Also: a classic deck of cards and UNO, light, flat, and almost everyone plays.

Be clean, without going overboard. Skip the heavy perfume. Some people are allergic.

If you sense your neighbour isn't in the mood, keep unnecessary conversation to a minimum.

A vicious circle: pressurization adds to dehydration and amplifies the effect of alcohol. Headaches and early fatigue follow.

Turn the volume down. Talk to your neighbour at a normal level. Keep your laughter in check during the comedies.

Sleeping on a noisy plane is hard enough. Stack the odds in your favour.

You'll be served first and skip the greasy, heavy dishes (which helps with jet lag, apparently).

$50 to $75 to drink, eat, read and rest in comfort. Often worth it for a long layover.

For seniors, minors, and people with reduced mobility. Some airports run it in-house, others through an international network. Often free for people with disabilities.

A valuable investment for long-haul flights: they protect your ears, help you sleep, and make movies more immersive. Affordable models run $100 to $200.