As winter break comes closer and closer, there are many of us who are getting ready to brave those interminably long flights home. Whether you're flying internationally or just a few states away, here are some tips to make it through alive.

Bring your own food.

Plane food has a reputation for being totally unpalatable. But, unless you're flying internationally, you should be able to bring snacks on the plane with you. So, unless you're fine with subsisting on Ginger ale and peanuts for eleven hours, it's best to come prepared.

Wear comfy clothes.

There are people who show up to the airport in skirts and high heels. Don't be one of those people.

Download a movie beforehand.

A lot of planes don't have those little TV screens and many of those that do have a limited selection to ensure that your 5-year-old niece doesn't peek at the adjacent seat and find out how babies are made.

Take a non-digital option.

There's nothing worse than your phone or laptop dying when you've got three hours until landing. Make sure you bring a book, sketchbook or Etch-A-Sketch to keep you occupied.

Gum!

Gum is a lifesaver when your ears start to pop as you change altitude.

Bring a blanket.

Stay with me on this one. I know it's bulky and annoying to carry, but bringing a light blanket is the best way – besides throwing back a couple capfuls of NyQuil – to get you through those red eyes. Unless you'd rather be that idiot wearing a neck donut.

Get new music.

Nothing gets you pumped for a long trip like the prospect of crying softly and head-bumping along to Adele's new album.

Choose your seat wisely.

I swear this isn't product placement, but if you fly Southwest you get to pick your seat so that you end up next to someone cute, not the weird girl who smells like lunch meat and wants to tell you her life story. Full disclosure, there have been a few people that were bitten by scorpions on Southwest flights – but, you know, pick your poison.