Former flight attendant who still flies all the time. Here are my 6 dos and don'ts as a passenger.

After nearly 10 years as a flight attendant, the author—now a frequent economy passenger—shares a consistent system for coping with long-haul flights. They arrive extra early to use credit card lounge benefits for a calm “preflight,” then switch into a soft, breathable tracksuit right before boarding and change back near landing as a mental reset. Packing is split between an overhead main carry-on and an under-seat pouch for essentials like earplugs, snacks, cables, a clothing change, and moisturizer, plus a small plastic trash bag to keep the row tidy. The author books an aisle near an emergency exit, uses call buttons sparingly, times restroom trips around cabin operations, skips neck pillows and sleep aids, and adjusts to destination time as soon as seated.