We've all been there, whether you are flying home just an hour flight away or a five hour flight across the country, air travel isn't the most luxurious experience unless you own a private jet or fly first class. Being one who attends college across the country from my home, I've had my fair share of long, and boring flights.
First off, I think the worst thing is having to sit in a middle seat. You pull up the seating chart online for the flight that you are taking home in a few weeks, and you see every seat taken except most of the middle seats. Why? Because they are the least desirable. Window seat is a given, you get to pass the time looking out of the window or using it to put your sweatshirt or pillow on it so you can sleep just a little more comfortably. The aisle seat is ideal because you can get up and down as you please without making the two people sitting next to you get up so you can get out and come back 3 minutes later. Plus what if they're both sleeping and you have to get up to use the restroom? I guess you quietly try to get over them without one of them waking up to see you awkwardly on top of them. The middle seat is the worst because it's the most difficult to sleep in because either you're going to end up with a neck cramp or waking up on some strangers shoulder.
Some times you have airlines that offer free TV and movies that you can watch. Others sadly do not. Some airlines make it so you have to pay to watch TV during the flight. Are you kidding? $4.99 to watch TV? I'm a student, I have about a dollar in my bank account. An upside to flying are the free snacks and drinks that are offered. Bigger meals are naturally not going to be free so taking advantage of the snacks that are offered is quite rewarding. "I'll take the pretzles, and the doritos and the potato chips." Hey, if i'm on a five hour flight across the country, the snakes are what i'm going to survive off of until i land.
Upon landing, you stand up and get your luggage from the overhead compartment (if you had any) and wait in that single file line in the airplane thinking how much you can't wait to finally get off of the plane and go home to your comfy bed.