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Flight attendants have a special chance to learn the best ways to travel by plane.

Many of them know tricks that can make flights more comfortable, easier, and even cheaper if you want to save money on travel.

From ways to recover from jet lag faster to advice about airplane meals, here are 13 things every smart traveler should know from flight attendants.

1. Book an early flight

If you're traveling to a popular place with several flights a day, choose an early flight if you can.

If you take the first flight of the day and something goes wrong, such as a delay or cancellation, it may be easier to book another flight later that day. This can help you avoid wasting money.

Flying early can also give you more time to enjoy your destination.

2. They hate delays as much as you do

Flight delays are frustrating, but remember that flight attendants are affected by them, too.

A delayed flight can disrupt their schedules and plans, so try not to blame the crew when things go wrong.

You can also ask flight attendants for more information about a delay. They have no reason to lie to you and may be able to point you in the right direction if you need to book another flight or get other help.

3. Take a quick nap to beat jet lag

There are many old stories about the best ways to deal with jet lag, but experienced flight attendants say a short nap, lasting less than an hour, may help the most.

If you travel across time zones and cannot stay awake until bedtime at your destination, a short nap may give you more energy without making it harder to sleep later.

4. Upgrades aren't random

Many travelers dream of getting a last-minute upgrade to a seat with more legroom or even a seat in first class. But these upgrades are rare, and they are not given out at random.

Upgrades usually happen before passengers board the plane. The crew has a list of passengers who should be offered these seats. These passengers are often people with elite frequent flyer status with the airline.

5. They don't eat in-flight meals

You might sometimes enjoy an airplane meal, but these meals often disappoint. Many flight attendants bring their own food instead.

If you want to eat healthy on a flight, consider bringing your own small snacks. The food served on planes may be highly processed and may not provide much nutritional value.

6. The cell phone rule isn't essential

If you forget to switch your phone to airplane mode before takeoff, a serious problem is unlikely. Airlines ask passengers to use airplane mode to help prevent cell phones from interfering with the plane's navigation and communication systems.

Still, many people have admitted that they sometimes forget to turn on airplane mode. Rules about using phones on planes may change, but U.S. regulations still require airplane mode for now.

7. Bring your pillow and blanket

If you plan to sleep on a flight, think about bringing your own pillow and blanket. You cannot always be sure that the ones on the plane are clean.

Flight attendants who have shared their experiences anonymously in online forums say that blankets are not always washed between flights. Even when they come wrapped in plastic, they may simply have been folded again and packed up for the next flight.

To stay comfortable while sleeping on a plane, consider bringing a neck pillow and wearing layers of clothing. A thick sweater can also work as a blanket.

8. Celebrities often fly commercial

You may share a plane with a famous person more often than you think because not every celebrity owns or uses a private jet.

An experienced flight attendant told CNN that the crew usually does not get a warning when a celebrity is flying that day. They may not find out until they see the celebrity's name on the passenger list.

Many passengers are busy with the usual rush of air travel and do not even notice that a famous person is on the plane. This is especially true when the celebrity sits in first class and other passengers walk past without paying much attention.

9. A little kindness goes a long way

Being a flight attendant has some benefits, but it can also be stressful. The job often involves long hours and little time to rest between shifts.

Flight attendants really appreciate kind passengers. Even saying hello when you board and thank you when you leave can make a difference.

If your kindness means a lot to a flight attendant, they may even give you something extra, such as more snacks or drinks.

10. They're trained for medical emergencies

Flight attendants do more than greet passengers and serve food.

The amount of medical training they receive depends on the airline. They also have medical supplies on board that they can use during an emergency.

If someone has a medical emergency during a flight, the cabin crew can contact doctors on the ground or ask whether any doctors or nurses are on board and able to help.

11. They can cut you off

Airlines often serve alcohol for an extra fee. Flight attendants keep track of how much passengers drink and can stop serving alcohol to someone who has had too much.

Disruptive behavior on a plane may break federal law. If a passenger becomes too unruly, the crew can arrange for that person to be detained after the plane lands.

Alcohol can also affect people more strongly while they are in the air, so passengers should drink only in moderation during flights.

12. Seats really are getting smaller

If you felt cramped on your last flight, you were not just imagining it. Popular Science reports that airplane seats have become much smaller over the past few decades.

Since the 1980s, some airlines have reduced legroom by 2 to 5 inches and seat width by 2 inches. Average legroom has fallen from 35 inches to just 31 inches. On some budget airlines, it can be as little as 28 inches.

Flight attendants who have worked in the industry for many years have seen these changes happen over time.

13. Budget airlines are safe

When you book a budget airline, you may give up some of the comfort and services offered by more expensive airlines. In return, you can keep more money in your wallet. But this does not mean you have to give up safety.

Travel and safety experts say budget airlines are just as safe as more expensive airlines. However, you may have a smaller seat, pay extra to bring a carry-on bag, and need to bring your own snacks.

Bottom line

Flight attendants who have worked for a long time naturally learn useful tricks about air travel, from choosing the best flights to getting an upgrade.

Travelers can use some of these tips themselves. Booking early flights and bringing things they need, such as snacks, pillows, and earplugs, can save time and reduce stress.

You can also improve your travel experience by getting the best travel credit cards and using the points you earn to pay for trips.