The days of free meals, free blankets, and even free seat assignments are long gone. As the airlines do everything they can to cut costs, and Homeland Security introduces new security measures that are an even greater inconvenience to passengers, enjoying your flight gets tougher all the time.

Many airlines have reduced the number of planes in their fleet, so those planes that are flying are packed. There are new restrictions about when you can get up, where you can put your carry-on bag, and when you can read your magazine.

But there are some things you can do to minimize the hassles of air travel today. Here’s our list of tips to make a long-haul flight less painful:

1) Take a nonstop flight. Depending on your destination, this won’t always be possible. But if a nonstop flight is an option, take it. You’ll spend the least amount of time in the air. You’ll eliminate the risk of missing your connection. And your bags are much more likely to arrive with you.

2) Take an early morning flight. As the day wears on, delays go from minor to major. What starts out as a 30-minute delay at 8AM could be a three-hour delay by late afternoon.

3) Fly on a big plane. Planes with two aisles, AKA wide bodies, are a lot roomier than planes with one aisle. Generally, there’s more storage space. And there are more aisle seats available. Check a travel website like seatguru.com or seatexpert.com to find the seating configuration for your flight. If you’re not flying business class, look for a two-four-two seating configuration. Nab one of the two-seat sides and you’ll be very comfortable. But even if you’re in the middle section, you can usually get out without having to disturb anyone but your companion.

4) Make sure your connection makes sense. There are usually several cities you can connect through on your way from A to B. Don’t assume that they’re all equal. A connecting city that’s in the opposite direction of your destination city will just add lots of flying time to your trip. And if you can avoid it, don’t fly through a city known for bad weather or traffic delays – Chicago in winter or JFK any time.

5) Carry on your baggage. Nowadays, it really pays to pack light. Not only will you avoid the cost and hassle of checking baggage, you’ll eliminate the risk of losing your bags. Check the airlines’ web site for their carry-on dimensions – some bags that are sold here as carry-ons are actually too big. And take as little as you need to feel comfortable and attractive.

6) Divide your clothes between two bags. You can minimize the inconvenience of a lost bag if you and your traveling companion both put some of your clothes in the other one’s bag. Having some outfits to wear until your bag is located makes it much less of an ordeal.

7) Dress smart. It’s hard to tell what the temperature will be like on your flight, so be prepared for anything from Arctic chill to Saharan swelter. There’s nothing worse than being too hot or too cold for hours on end. And now that the airlines aren’t giving out blankets, it’s even more important to be prepared for anything. Wear layers so you can add or subject them depending on the temperature.

8) Eat right. As tempting as it may be to start your vacation early with a big, greasy plate of nachos the night before your flight, don’t do it. Avoid spicy, high-fat foods even if you can ordinarily digest anything.

9) Wear something comfy. Stretchy and loose fitting are key. And choose something that won’t wrinkle – or will look okay if it does get wrinkled. Sturdy walking shoes are also a must, especially if you have to walk from Terminal 1 to Terminal 31. Plus, if you wear them, you won’t have to pack them.

10) Take something to eat. When airlines do serve food, it’s either really high in sodium or not very good, or both. Make yourself some sandwiches the night before, pop them in the freezer, and take them with you to have on your flight.

11) Bring water on your flight. Don’t count on the flight attendants to keep you in a steady stream of H2O. Bring your own and drink it often to offset the dehydrating affects of flying.

12) Stretch and breathe. Getting some exercise is important to staying healthy and feeling good during – and after – your flight. Stretch your legs every couple of hours if the flight attendants will let you. If you can’t, do some stretching exercises and deep breathing in your seat.

13) Sleep as much as you can. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, eat your dinner, and then turn in for the night. Use an eye mask, ear plugs, and a neck pillow to make yourself as comfortable as possible. Think about what you’re looking forward to doing in your destination, and let yourself drift off. If you’re lucky, you’ll wake up when the captain announces your final approach.