Although you might convince yourself that you'll "sleep on the plane", this isn't always guaranteed as you might feel uncomfortable or the passengers two seats across from you might be particularly raucous. Besides which, starting a flight feeling tired can predispose you to catching any bugs on board. The long time in the enclosed plane environment can expose you to other people's colds, flus and other nasties that you're more likely to be able to fight off it you're in great shape and not too tired. It's particularly important that both parents and children get a good night's sleep before a long haul flight, to avoid nerves, tears and frustration. If you have an illness such as the tail-end of chicken pox or you're coughing a lot post a bad flu, have a dated doctor's certificate certifying that it's okay for you to fly (namely, that you're no longer contagious). You can be prevented from boarding if the boarding officials are concerned that you might be contagious. It's also important to get prescription notes or letters if you're carrying medications, to avoid drug charges in less understanding destinations. Read more about this in How to travel with prescription medications. This will help you to pack properly and will help you to wear the right things on the plane. It's very uncomfortable stepping off a plane from a cold environment into a humid one when you're still wearing the heavy woolen sweater Gran knitted you and you've forgotten to wear a short-sleeved t-shirt underneath! The same thing goes for entering a colder climate after being in a warmer one; always have a coat with you in case the airport you disembark at requires tarmac walking to reach the terminal; it's not much fun wearing a t-shirt and sandals when the snow is pelting down on you or a fierce wind is blowing. Check that everyone's passports are up to date. Many countries require at least 6 months validity to remain on the passport during the time of travel, so don't get caught out. Here are some other considerations to take when you get all of your documents in order: Organize any visas needed before traveling. It is much easier to do this before you leave for another country than to be standing in line in a foreign airport endlessly worrying that they might not let you in. Arrange for a mixture of foreign cash, traveler's checks and credit/debit cards for overseas travel. Talk to your bank to see what they offer in the way of exchange rates. It can be all too easy to forget these in the excitement of preparing for a trip, so check with your doctor early to see if you need any. And if you need to stock up on any medications you take, do so now by letting your doctor know how long you'll be away for. Don't rely on buying needed medication in a foreign country as you might strike all sorts of problems from lack of the medication to not being able to see a doctor. That includes your clothes, any medications you might need, plane tickets, passports and toiletries. It's sensible to create a list that helps keep you on track with what you should pack and that can be used for the entire trip to help ensure you've remembered all contents for your bag, as well as serving as a record of items if your bag gets lost or stolen. Be sure to have left information with neighbors, friends and family about what to do in the event of an emergency with your property (house, car, etc.), your pets or any children you've left behind with relatives or, if they're old enough, in your house. A long haul flight usually presupposes that you'll be gone for a while and that you're less likely to take your car to the airport. However, do check out the long-term car storage price as it may be affordable and an option that works well for you, especially if you're concerned about the security of leaving your car at home while you're gone. Some airports offer good long-term parking rates. Otherwise, consider renting a car, using a shuttle service, hiring a taxi, or asking a neighbor or family member to drop you off at the airport. The latter option is especially nice because you get to have a farewell! If you're disabled or require special access help, it's a good idea to arrive as early as possible to secure the arrangements needed to help you board on time and in comfort. If you're worried about what to do before the plane leaves if you're too early, there is a lot to do at most modern airports and you can always get out one of your books, games, journal or other forms of entertainment! While you're waiting in the airport, read How to be comfortable on a long airplane trip for ways to cope while on board!
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One-sentence summary -- Sleep well before leaving. If you have an obvious sickness, prepare to prove that you're no longer contagious. Check the weather conditions in your destination. Prepare all of the necessary travel documents you'll need. Get vaccinations out of the way. Pack essentials a few days before the trip. Decide how you are going to get to the airport. Arrive early or within the usual two to three hour pre-flight arrival time for international destinations.

Since there are no federal requirements on weather-related delays and cancellations in the U.S., all American airlines have their own policies for compensation. Make sure to check your airline's rules so you can be firm on what you are owed. Go online or call a customer service representative to find airline policies. Airlines generally won't compensate you for delays caused by storms, riots, and labor strikes, which they consider circumstances out of their control. However, if your flight is delayed due to mistakes on the airline's part, you are entitled to compensation that increases as the delay stretches on. If your flight is cancelled, many US airlines will only provide a re-booked flight or a full refund. Some, however, will offer special vouchers and perks as well. You can even do this while waiting in line to talk to a service rep or agent at the airport. Often, you will be able to reach the airline before you make it through the line, whether by calling or by reaching out to the airline over social media. When using social media, make sure to use a polite tone and maybe a bit of humor to make your point. Airlines may vary on responsiveness when contacted through social media. American Airlines is known for being helpful, while Delta and United are often not. Make sure to ask the service rep if it will affect your connecting flight, if you have one. You should also ask how the change will affect your baggage. This information will help you plan how to best deal with the delay or cancellation. If the schedule change interferes with your connecting flight, you'll have to re-book that as well. Airlines have different procedures regarding checked luggage when flights are delayed or cancelled. Make sure to ask a service representative about their policy. If you want to rebook your flight with this airline, their service representatives can help you find the best option. However, if you want to book a new flight with a different airline, ask for a refund instead and either contact your travel insurance agent, find a representative from a different airline, or go online to find a new flight. If you have travel insurance, you can call in for help re-booking the flight and finding accommodations if the delay or cancellation requires you to stay the night. JetBlue is the only U.S. domestic airline that guarantees its customers compensation for delays. If you're stuck on the tarmac for three to four hours, the airline will give a $50 credit. If you're waiting five or more hours, the credit goes up to $200. European Union regulations are far more generous to customers in cases of delays or cancellation. In the case of a delay, the laws require airlines to provide meals, refreshments, and overnight accommodations as needed. European airlines must also pay customers for delays. If your flight is delayed more than four hours, you can be paid up to 250 to 600 euros. If your European flight is canceled, the airline is required to refund you within a week of the canceled flight.
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One-sentence summary --
Know your passenger rights. Contact the airline directly. Ask how long the delay will be and how it will affect you. Rebook your flight or request a refund. Call your insurance company. Ask for automatic compensation if you're delayed for three hours on Jetblue. Expect better compensation if you're traveling in Europe.