The top 10 rules of the road for air travel

Travel can be both exhilarating and a real pain at the same time – especially if you travel frequently and internationally. Scott McCartney, the author of "The Wall Street Journal Guide to Power Travel: How to Arrive with Your Dignity, Sanity and Wallet Intact" has come up with the top 10 rules of the road or basic principles for air travel that are meant to help travelers avoid problems and better enjoy their business trips or vacations. These rules or principles are:

1. Travel is difficult.

2. Book smartly.

3. Plan for trouble.

4. Learn something.

5. Enjoy perks that pay.

6. Stay loyal.

7. Never check anything you cannot live without.

8. Play the upgrade game.

9. Ask nicely.

10. Be kind to your fellow traveler.

Scott also outlined these rules or principles in a Wall Street Journal article earlier this year that is also well worth reading.