25 Secrets to Flying Economy without Losing Your Mind

If your seatmate plays a movie on full blast or won't shut up, you'll wish you had noise cancelling headphones in tow. With headphones strong enough to block out any annoying sounds, you can relax, enjoy the ride, and ignore whatever is going on around you.

Flying economy is bad enough, but there's nothing worse than waiting until boarding to find out where you'll sit. If you have the option, pay the $15 - $35 required for an assigned seat - ideally one next to an empty seat.

If you have the ability to see the seating chart for your flight and switch seats up until you depart, watch the situation closely. As the seats fill up, you can change seats to a more comfortable option or to a space where you can sit by yourself.

If you're booking a flight where you get a seat selection ahead of time, it pays to book early. Booking months ahead of time can ensure you get the seat you want while waiting until the last minute almost guarantees you'll get whatever is left.

Some airlines offer a premium economy product that comes with roomier seats, better recline, more legroom, and better drinks. Delta Comfort is one of the most popular options within this class, and it is often worth it at around $100 per long haul flight.

Comfortable socks can make flying a lot more enjoyable - especially on a long flight. They may help you sleep better, too. Pack socks that are comfortable to wear, made of natural fabric, and easy to take off and on.

Eye masks are essential for travel if you actually hope to sleep on the plane. Not only can they block out light from airplane windows, but they make it possible to sleep when your seatmates are watching a movie or fiddling with a tablet.

No matter where you're traveling to, there is nothing worse than flying in the dreaded middle seat. On any plane with a 3-3 or 3-4-3 configuration, make sure to select an aisle or window seat early.

If you fly with the same airline often enough, you may be able to secure airline status. This perk can help you score benefits such as early boarding, a free checked bag, and the potential for upgrades. Most airlines offer a frequent flyer program, so make sure to sign up.

Basic economy is a new class of airfare that lets you skip seat selection, carry-on baggage allowance, and early boarding in exchange for a lower price. The worst part, however, is that you'll board the plane dead last. Skip basic economy to save your sanity, or you could live to regret it.

If you're able to book the exit row, do it. Exit rows may come with more responsibility if you need to depart the plane in an emergency, but you'll get a lot more legroom and space. The best part is that, without someone right in front of you, you won't have to endure a fully reclined seat on your knees.

While airport lounge access can't make your economy flight more comfortable, it can make the time leading up to your departure extremely enjoyable. Fortunately, many travel credit cards let you access select airport lounges for free as a cardmember perk.

Flying with a carry-on may be essential, but it can be a lot less stressful to check your bag to your final destination. When you check your bag, you don't have to worry about running out of carry-on space or lugging it around all day.

Airline snacks are often insufficient-especially if you're on a special diet or you just don't like pretzels and peanuts. Make your flight more pleasant by packing your own snacks and bringing them along in a carry-on or backpack.

While some travel pillows are better than others, flying without one is guaranteed to make you uncomfortable. Pack a neck pillow or travel pillow in your personal bag any time you hope to sleep or actually relax on a plane.

Some airlines have snazzy apps that let you watch movies or play games for free. At the very least, most airline apps let you select or change seats and find out first if you're delayed. Having your airline's app handy can make flying a lot less stressful.

If you're vegetarian, vegan, Hindu, or just plain picky, pre-ordering your in-flight meal can save you some stress. Many airlines let you choose among meal options that can fit your dietary or religious criteria, and these options are free.

TSA Precheck is a benefit that makes your airport experience a lot faster. With TSA Precheck, you can skip through the regular line for security and you don't have to take your shoes off. You can also leave your laptop in your bag.

When you have Global Entry, you can skip by the regular customs and immigration lines and save an hour or more at participating airports. While Global Entry usually costs $100, many travel rewards cards offer this benefit as a cardholder perk.

Repeat after me: Your flight is not a fashion show. While you definitely want to look presentable, there is nothing wrong with flying in sweats or yoga pants. Dress in comfortable clothes and your economy flight will be a lot more tolerable.

Compression socks are specially made to keep blood flowing in your legs while reducing swelling and discomfort. If you have varicose veins or issues with swelling, bringing compression socks for your economy flight can help you stay comfortable and avoid health problems.

If you have the option to bring a tablet or a laptop, a tablet is a much better option on a plane. Tablets can still be used if the person in front of you reclines all the way, whereas laptops are a no-go when space is scarce.

While most airlines let you select a seat ahead of time, certain brands like Southwest Airlines have their own unique policies. If you don't check in for your Southwest flight 24 hours early or pay for Early Bird seating, you'll likely board the plane last and get stuck in a middle seat away from your family and friends.

You should never feel bad if you need to take something to sleep or relax while you fly as long as the medication is legal and/or prescribed by your doctor. Even over-the-counter Melatonin could help you catch some Z's and get more comfortable.

Most airlines offer their own magazine on the plane, but it's easy to exhaust that option when you're in the air for more than an hour. Bring your own books you can dive into during your flight and it will be over before you know it.