Flying can be exciting, but the travel day itself can leave you worn out. A long flight, a crowded airport, and hours in a small seat can take a toll. Add a few poor choices along the way, and you may arrive feeling sore, thirsty, hungry, and ready for bed.

A little planning before you leave home can make a big difference. Here are some common airplane mistakes that can make flying more uncomfortable than it needs to be.

Eating a Heavy Meal Before Boarding

A big, greasy meal might sound tempting before a flight, especially if you know you won’t eat again for several hours. But heavy food, lots of salt, and oversized portions can leave you feeling bloated once you’re sitting in the cabin.

A lighter meal or a few familiar snacks may be easier on your stomach. If you know certain foods tend to bother you, the airport probably isn’t the best place to experiment.

Wearing Shoes That Are Hard to Deal With

The shoes that look great for a night out aren’t always the best choice for a travel day. You’ll be walking through the terminal, standing in security lines, and possibly sitting for hours.

Comfortable sneakers or easy-to-remove shoes can save you some hassle. Your feet may also swell a little during a long flight, so shoes with some room can feel much better by the time you land.

Showing Up Without Your Travel Basics Organized

Few things raise your stress level faster than digging through your bag while the boarding line is moving.

Keep your passport, identification, boarding pass, wallet, phone, charger, and other frequently needed items somewhere easy to reach. Having them in one place means you won’t have to empty half your bag every time you need something.

Dressing for Looks Instead of Comfort

A plane seat is rarely the place to spend six hours in stiff jeans and tight clothing.

Soft, comfortable clothes and a few layers make a travel day much easier. Airports and airplane cabins can feel very different from the weather outside, so having something you can put on or take off gives you more control over your comfort.

Going Hours Without Drinking Water

Cabin air can feel dry, and it’s easy to forget about drinking water while you’re watching a movie or trying to sleep.

Bring an empty reusable bottle through security and fill it once you’re past the checkpoint, or buy water before boarding. Taking regular sips during the flight can help you avoid arriving with a headache and a dry mouth.

Assuming the Plane Will Have Everything You Need

It’s easy to assume you’ll have Wi-Fi, a seatback screen, a charging port, or a full selection of entertainment once you’re onboard. That’s not always the case.

If you know you’ll want something to watch or listen to, download it before leaving home. The same goes for podcasts, music, books, games, and anything else that can keep you occupied without relying on the plane’s internet connection.

Waiting Until the Last Minute to Pick a Seat

If your airline allows you to choose a seat, waiting too long can leave you with fewer options.

Maybe you prefer the aisle because you like getting up without bothering anyone. Perhaps you sleep better by the window. Some travelers care more about extra legroom. Pick based on what makes you most comfortable, rather than hoping a better seat will be available later.

Forgetting the Things That Help You Sleep

Sleeping on a plane can be difficult even under the best circumstances. Crying babies, conversations, cabin announcements, bright lights, and seatmates moving around can all interrupt your rest.

A small travel pillow, eye mask, earplugs, or noise-canceling headphones can make it easier to settle down. You don’t need to bring every sleep gadget on the market. Just pack the few things you already know help you relax.

Staying in Your Seat for Hours

Sitting in the same position for an entire flight can leave you feeling stiff by the time you reach the gate.

If it’s safe to do so, get up occasionally and walk around the cabin. A few simple stretches in your seat can also help loosen your legs, shoulders, and back. On longer flights, regular movement can make the hours feel much more manageable.

Stuffing Your Carry-On With Too Much

Trying to fit your entire life into one carry-on can create more problems than it solves.

An overpacked bag can be difficult to lift into an overhead bin, awkward to carry through the airport, and uncomfortable to keep under the seat. It can also make finding your headphones or charger feel like digging through a suitcase.

Pack the items you’ll actually use during the flight and keep the rest in your checked luggage when possible.

Assuming Every Airline Works the Same Way

A seat on one airline may come with very different rules and amenities than a seat on another.

Before your trip, check the airline’s baggage allowance, carry-on dimensions, seat selection rules, Wi-Fi availability, entertainment options, and other policies. A few minutes spent checking the details can prevent an unpleasant surprise at the airport.

Skipping an Upgrade on a Long Flight Without Checking the Cost

An upgraded seat isn’t worth the extra money for everyone. If you’re flying for an hour or two, a standard seat may be perfectly fine.

Long-haul and overnight flights are a different story. If the price difference is reasonable, extra legroom, a wider seat, or a better location in the cabin may make several hours in the air much easier.

You don’t have to pay for an upgrade just because it’s offered. Compare the cost with the length of the flight and decide whether the added comfort is worth it for you.