Select a decent carrier
It makes a difference. Really. Sure you can get cheap seats, but you'll soon realize that not all airlines are created equal. Some have more comfortable seats and better air and ground service, but different airlines actually have their own, distinct, personalities. Some are super-friendly and relaxed, others are uptight and employ flight attendants who clearly hate their jobs. Some have TV's, meals or snacks, or more leg room. Ask around!
Bring breakables, valuables and a change of clothes in your carry-on! Just in case they lose your checked baggage, you'll have a spare set of clothes. Also, they definitely don't handle your checked luggage with care! Also, make sure you know the size and weight you're allowed to check because if you're over, it can cost you A LOT of money!
Some people actually ship their luggage with FedEx or UPS rather than checking it. It can actually be cheaper in some cases, and they deliver it right to your door.
Security
Wear shoes without laces that you can kick off and put back on without bending down and wear socks. You don't want to be standing on those filthy floors in bare feet. Keep your pockets empty. And pack liquids, gels, cosmetics and medication in see-through ziplock bags.
Seating
You might want to consider paying a bit extra to pre-select a seat. The seats by the emergency exits are great because you get more leg room. The row immediately in front of the emergency exits is bad because the seats don't recline fully; nor do the seats in last row at the back of the plane. Some people want to sit up at the front of the plane, because they think they can get on and off faster but what they don't realize is that's where the bassinets go, so they'll often find themselves sitting next to screaming infants.
Sleeping
If you're lucky enough to be able to fly business class, check in advance to ensure your carrier's seats recline completely flat. Angled seating is where you hear the snoring. Also, the pillows and blankets provided on overnight flights are used again and again. They don't change them unless they're visibly dirty, so bring your own shawl, pashmina or hoody that you can curl up under. Eat lightly, and refrain from drinking alcohol, one drink in the sky equals two or more on the ground because of the difference in oxygen levels, and if you have a couple drinks before dinner and half-bottle of wine with your meal, you'll feel like the cat's breakfast by the time you arrive at your destination. If you are planning on sleeping, get window seating. If you're in the middle seat you wake up on another passenger's shoulder, and with aisle seats you're always getting bumped by the trolleys. And if you're a light sleeper, invested in a pair of noise-cancellation headphones.
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