Q: Obviously, you need to know the available flights for your destination and the price has to be "right". However, other things you should be considering when booking for a long haul flight is just how comfortable that airline will prove to be. Some airlines do offer more legroom than others on particular sectors and this is an important consideration the longer the flight gets; do some research and read the advertising promises, as well as checking out people's opinions in online travel and flight forums.  Check out what entertainment is offered by the airline. Many newer aircraft types offer individualized monitors in the back of the seat right in front of you, so that you don't have to crane your neck to try to see a wobbly old movie screen with someone else's head in front of it. A lot of these individual entertainment centers now come with lots of movies, news, documentary, etc. choices, as well as radio, music and games that can be played using a handheld device that lifts out from the seat. Though somebody's got to be stuck in that middle seat, you should do what you can to get the seat you want. First, you should figure out which seat you prefer, the aisle or the window. The aisle may be the most comfortable for a long flight because you have a bit more room on the side facing the aisle and can easily get up and stretch your legs or use the restroom without inconveniencing people; however, some people like the window because it's easier to rest against it, and because it can be pleasant to look outside. Whatever you choose, here are some tips for picking your seat:  Most airlines allow you to choose your seat when you book your flight. Don't overlook this important aspect of booking the flight, even if you're in a rush. If you didn't choose a seat online, try to choose it when you check in, or even at the gate of the flight. Though your flight might be full and you may not be able to switch your seat, it's worth trying. You can try to sit toward the front of the plane so you get to board earlier and leave the plane earlier. The downside is that you may be further from the bathroom. You should try to get a seat in an exit row, where you'll have more leg room. Try to avoid seats in front of the exit row, however. Some of them do not recline! You should also avoid the seats at the very back of the plane. Not only do the seats in the last row typically not recline, but they'll be right near the bathrooms, so the smell won't be as pleasant. Choose the window seat if you can. It has been said that looking out the window during takeoff reduces dizziness. While it is cheaper to have a "lap baby" (an infant that has no seat and just sits in your lap throughout the flight), it's not as safe as having a child in his own seat (most airlines allow you to use a car carrier in-flight). Moreover, you're not likely to be permitted to have a baby on your lap for long haul flights that are international. If you're flying from San Francisco to Paris, an hour-long layover in Brussels may be tempting, but you should make sure to give yourself at least two, or even three hours between tight connections if you want to make sure you make the next flight. If you're traveling internationally, you may have to go through passport control and take other security measures that take up a lot of time, not to mention trying to find your terminal at the other end of an unfamiliar airport. If you want your flight to be stress free, try to pick a connection that will give you enough time to catch your second flight. If you can sleep your hours away, this can be a bonus as you'll arrive fresher and possibly overcome jet lag faster. Obviously, the drawback here is cost; although you can investigate the chances of upgrading using your air/frequent flier miles or points and perhaps even finding a sensational online deal for a business class trip. It can be worth it to do some deeper research into the options or to pay a little more for extra comfort – and you won't know unless you try! Most airlines offer a huge array of dietary preferences for international and long haul flights. However, you must book anything that is not the usual run-of-the-mill food choices and it's very wise to double check 24 hours before you're due to fly out, just to make sure the dietary preference you've ordered is properly recorded. It's really depressing to get on a long haul flight and realize you have no food to eat because they botched up the order! In addition, some airlines require you to request special meals at least 24 hours in advance; with Kosher meals, you might even need to request the special catering more than 48 hours in advance. Call the airline if you have any dietary, access (for example, a wheelchair or walker) or other issues needing to be double checked. It's probably best to do this 24 to 12 hours in advance of departure. Check that you have any needed medications and accompanying prescriptions. It's important to be prepared in the event that you have a health complication. If you're prone to motion sickness, you can also take motion-sickness medication or even ginger tablets to help you feel well during your flight; though it's important to read the instructions on your medication, you should generally take motion sickness pills about two hours before your flight. Losing your favorite pocket knife to security because you packed it in the carry-on bag instead of the cargo bag isn't much fun. Moreover, there are many prohibited items which can easily be found by checking the airport or airline websites, or you can look at the site of the International Civil Aviation Authority (ICAO) for worldwide information. Be aware of baggage weight and size restrictions. Even more painful to your wallet than losing the pocket knife is the damage inflicted in fees for overweight bags! And if your carry-on bag is too big, you're stuffed, so get it right from the beginning. See How to avoid airline baggage fees for more information.
A: Decide which airline to fly. Choose a comfortable seat in advance. If you have very young children, be sure to arrange the right seating for them. Be wary of selecting a tight connection after a long flight. Check out the affordability of a flat bed in business class. Check out the food options on the airplane. Prepare for any medical issues in advance. Check restrictions before lugging your packed bags to the airport.

Q: If you've never had a migraine before, it's a good idea to see your doctor to get a definite diagnosis. Some migraine symptoms can be similar to the symptoms of other conditions, such as cluster headaches or a stroke. Your doctor can help determine what the problem is and work with you to develop an appropriate treatment plan.  Common migraine symptoms include throbbing or pulsing pain on one or both sides of the head, sensitivity to light and sound, and nausea or vomiting. Some people may also have visual symptoms, such as seeing spots of light or moving patterns. Other symptoms include hearing noises, twitching, having difficulty speaking, feeling weakness, and numbness in the face. If your migraines are severe or frequent enough to disrupt your daily life and natural remedies aren’t helping, talk to your doctor. They may recommend taking prescription medications to prevent your migraines or relieve your symptoms more effectively. See your doctor if you have a migraine more than once a week on average. You should also seek medical attention if you're taking pain medication more than 2 times a week for migraines, or if the pain medications you have don't help. Even if you have a history of migraines or other types of headaches, visit your doctor if you develop new headache symptoms. They can examine you to determine what might have changed. They might also recommend adjusting your treatment plan. Let your doctor know if your headaches get worse, change in frequency, or feel different from previous headaches. Certain symptoms that accompany a migraine can be a sign of a serious underlying problem. Do not hesitate to contact your doctor or call emergency services if you experience a problematic symptom.
A:
See a doctor if you're not sure you're having migraines. Visit your doctor if you can't manage your migraines with home care. Make an appointment if your symptoms change or get worse. Seek emergency treatment for severe headache symptoms.