My 2 cents in air travel. Probably to late for your Thanksgiving trip. But Christmas and vacation....
You want 1st/Business Class leg space without the prices. Show-up 2 hours early and ask for the EXIT row. You have to be willing to help in an emergency (However - if you have small children your not going to get them.) For those long flights they are worth it for the extra leg room.
I'm 6 ft and flights from Calif to Hawaii are 4 1/2 to 5 hours long (One year it was a 6 hour because we had to get around a storm.)
Link to Seatguru. Tells you the nice seats and the "The Seat from Hell".
http://www.seatguru.com/
Be aware some exit rows howver are not created equal. back to back EXIT rows over the wing -well the EXIT row seat closests to the cockpit does not lean back. The EXIT row behind it does.
Some Flight attendant seats for long distance flights may be available. These seats are good because they fold out like a Lazy-Boy.
You gotta ask if they are available.
If you arrive early in the waiting area at the airport-stake out the seat closest to the electric plug used by the janitor. You don't have to waste power in your cellphone, lap top or DVD battery. Use the airports electricity (I believe this is the last freebie left at airports next to water fountains and restrooms)
Give this seat up when it's time to board.
Want to know if your flight (or a relatives flight) is on time or enroute.
http://travel.flightexplorer.com/
Going through Security. Wear slip loafers; saves untying and tying laces.
I have really gotten to hate removing my belt and putting it on again so I got some cheap pants at Wal Mart that has draw strings and elastic bands around the waist. Use them only for flying travel.
Put your coins in a ziplock or squeeze coin purse if you carry coins in your pocket.
Invest in a travel pillow. Some airlines charge for them now.
Here are some examples.
http://www.brookstone.com/sl/home-gifts/travel-pillow
You got a small child crying as the plane takes off. Could be because of change of air presseure. Give the child gummy bear candy to chew to help their ears equalize the pressure on the ears.
Flying travel use to be a fun adventure. I put the experience now just above going to the dentist or arguing with an insurance adjuster.
And they really did look like that back in the day. Forum says the commercial took 6 takes.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TR7JApjgIGw&feature=related
Hidee-Hoo Kiddies!
