Did you know that airplane electricity can be unpredictable? Air travel is an inconvenient and expensive way to get from city to city. But it can also be a reliable means of getting there, depending on the airline, the flight time, and other factors.

The unpredictability of air travel makes it one of the least popular forms of long-distance transportation. In some ways, this is a good thing—if fewer people drove across country every year, fewer acres would be dedicated to road construction, and more land would remain untouched for future generations.

However, that’s not the case for everyone—especially those who must fly often for work or personal reasons. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to make your plane trips less miserable (and more efficient).

Here are a few tips and tricks you may not have known about in order to reduce your stress level as much as possible and make your flying experience as positive and comfortable as possible:

Plan ahead.

It’s not uncommon for airline passengers to get bumped from their original flight. If you’re trying to plan ahead, you want to know when the airline will be overbooked and what your options are for rebooking. This is important because if you don’t have a backup plan, you may end up in an uncomfortable situation with no recourse or time to find a new flight.

Bring your own charger.

There are a few caveats to this rule, but in general, it is your best bet. You can get away with bringing a charger on board if you bring one that is no larger than the size of your smartphone and you can carry the device in a bag that fits under the seat.

Charge up before you fly.

Many experts suggest that you should charge up your devices before your flight. In-flight entertainment may not be available, but there are plenty of charging stations at the airport. Most airports offer free wireless access, so you can charge up and get some work done before your flight.

Keep a charging power bank on hand.

As a frequent flyer, you might find yourself in need of a power bank at some point. These handy devices are essential for those who must fly often, whether it’s for business or personal reasons.

They’re also useful for anyone who is traveling internationally because they can help charge your phone in regions where the electricity is different from what you’re used to.
It’s important to keep in mind that not all power banks are created equal—not all of them will be approved by TSA and carried on board any airplane.

If the power bank has less than 100w, you can carry it on board; if the power bank has between 100w and 160w, it depends on the carrier’s policy. IATA and FAA regulations on power banks rated for over 160w.

• Personal usage requires the carrying of a power bank.
  
• Only hand baggage or casual carrying is permitted for power banks. Power banks are not permitted in checked baggage.
  
• Power banks with a rated power of less than 100 watts may be transported without a permit; power banks with a rated power of between 100 watts and 160 watts may be transported with an air carrier’s permission. However, a passenger is only permitted to bring two power banks at a time.
• It is not allowed to carry the power banks with power higher than 160w or the power banks without identified rated power and with rated power unable to be worked out with the marked parameters.
  
• Passengers are not allowed to use power banks to charge electronic devices during the course of the flight. Power banks must be switched “Off” during the course of the flight.
  
• Carrying power banks with a power output of more than 160 watts is prohibited, as are power banks whose rated power is unknown or cannot be calculated using the indicated criteria.
  
• During the flight, passengers are not permitted to utilize power banks to charge their personal gadgets. Power banks need to be turned “Off” throughout the flight.

Don’t bring anything that can’t be left behind.

Think twice before you bring a laptop, iPad, or other electronic device with you on the plane. Although some airlines offer Wi-Fi service on their planes, it can be unreliable (or nonexistent) and expensive.

Instead of having to buy expensive in-flight Wi-Fi packages, use your smartphone’s data plan to make sure you’re able to keep up with any work-related tasks during your flight.

Plan ahead: If you have to travel by plane, make sure you know the schedule of your flight and any delays in advance so that you can plan accordingly.

Bring your own charger: There are several reputable portable battery brand names, including Mophie and Samsung; just be sure to look for one with a high capacity rating and a long lifespan for your device(s).

Charge up before you fly: Even if you don’t bring along an actual corded charger with you on the trip, make sure that your phone is fully charged before you board the plane so that it doesn’t die — or at least nearly die — on the tarmac. You can charge your phone using laptops, power banks, and other equipment on the plane or at the airport (depending on whether or not most electronic devices are allowed). Make sure to charge up as much of your phone’s battery as possible before takeoff—if it runs out while in flight, there isn’t much anyone can do about it but hope for good weather conditions and extremely clear skies upon landing.

Keep a charging power bank on hand: While carrying a portable charger may be unrealistic for many people, there are certain circumstances where it is necessary to have one in your possession. For example, if you’re going on a long-haul flight or if you need to be at a specific location for an important meeting soon after landing.