On our flights to and from Prague we were lucky to fly Swiss Air, a non-budget airline. It's funny what little it takes to impress us these days. Give us assigned seating, a sandwich and free drinks and we feel like we're in first class. But, we can't grumble. Budget Airlines are a good thing. There are definitely no complaints here. Especially as we just bought a 2 pence return flight to Salzburg.

Ok, maybe one complaint. I find flying budget airlines a really stressful experience. That whole unassigned seating thing makes me nervous. I'm not sure what I'm anxious about as Andrew and I have always sat together on all our budget flights. It's just the worrier in me. I can't help but stress.

Like any good control freak I have developed ways of dealing with the trauma of catching a budget flight. The trick is to develop techniques to control the situation. You take the uncertainty out of the situation, you feel like you're in control, you stress less. (I've been watching too much Criminal Minds. I'm profiling myself *G*)

I thought I'd share my tactics with you. So, here are my top five tips for a stress-free flight on a budget airline:

1. The early bird gets the worm -- At check in, easyJet classify customers in groups A, B, C and D. You get to board the aircraft in that order. Check in early and you'll most probably get boarding group B. Check in late and you may get group C or may even be relegated to group D! (It's quite hard to get group A. Whenever we get group A I do a little dance of joy.)
   
   
2. Cheat a little -- At the gate, they will board the groups in order from A - D. You won't be allowed to board unless you belong to the group that was just called or a better group. Andrew and I always line up at the back of the group before us. We find that they've called our group by the time we get to the front of the line. Voila! You're the first to board in your group.
   
   
3. Divide and conquer -- Because easyJet are trying to maximise profits, you'll often be bussed out to your aircraft. Andrew and I split up here and stand on opposite sides of the bus, next to a door. This way, whichever side the doors open, you'll be the first out and up the stairs onto the plane.
   
   
4. Choose wisely -- It's always nice to get a row to yourself on the plane. If your flight isn't full, sometimes you can actually achieve this. We do the whole looking busy routine to try and deter people from sitting in our row. You just have to take a long time to organise yourself. Draw out getting stuff from your bag and putting your bag in the overhead lockers. By the time you're finished, the doors to the aircraft have been closed and you have room to stretch out.
   
   We change this tactic when we visit stag night destinations (anywhere where beer is cheap.) You definitely don't want to be stuck next to a hungover lad, or even worse, a drunk lad, on the way home. (Ask John for his stag night flight experience. It's enough to put you off flying for good.) When visiting a stag night destination we try and encourage someone who looks harmless to sit next to us. How? A welcoming smile is useful. (Although, try not to come across as a serial killer *G*.)
   
   
5. Care less -- aha! Who am I kidding? As if I could ever do this. Maybe this one will work for you :D.