[Carol]

Well, I'm the opposite of some of these posts. I try to fit everything on my carry-on (if it's s short trip) to avoid the hassles of check-in luggage. I have twice - on non-stop flights - had my baggage not arrive until the next day. That said, you do have to be careful what you put in your carry-on. They are supposedly less strict now but I was flying with a friend who had his corkscrew confiscated from his carry-on.

We try to always get the emergency exit rows (you need to request it when you check-in). You get more legroom and the seats in front of you can't recline. There is nothing more annoying than to have the person in front of you lean back as far possible. The seat always hits my knees (and I am short!) and the backrest is only inches from your face.

Second best is the bulkhead seats - again more legroom, no one in front of you, and you deplane faster. But you have to use a smaller side tray instead of a tray from the seat in back.

Actually, first class is the best - I only flew that way once but it certainly is the way to travel! (But unless you have frequent flyer miles or are rich, you can only look upon them with envy).