When you buy the cheapest seat, it’ll be no surprise to find yourself in the middle of a three-across row. And seat mates could too often be a 300-pounder and/or ever-wailing baby. And, of course, the more popular the flight, such as Thanksgiving and Christmas weeks, the higher the ticket price.

So, when can you do the biblical plea and get a blessedly upgraded seat at no extra cost? First is scheduling your flight when there are more chances of unsold seats. They include non-holiday weekdays, early morning and late night (redeye). After you’re aboard, all passengers seated and doors shut, note all empty better-positioned, more comfy seats.

Then, politely ask a flight attendant to move you to a premium seat for free. It may not work every time, but it’s always worth the effort. And now that some airlines are encouraging tips to their employees, offer some dollars to improve your chances of flying in upgraded comfort.

Jammed in airport crowds, using busy public restrooms and sneezes in your face. It’s difficult to stay healthy during travels. One way to combat the negatives is to take some positive steps as you check in for your flight.

First, after using the restroom and wherever else with potential contamination, wash your hands and face. Also carry one or more disposable cloth or paper face masks and gloves. One potentially dangerous dirty encounter is with the moving plastic bins used for shoes and carry-on bags through screening lines.

Medical reports detect viruses in the bottom of plastic security screening trays. They’re full of dust, dirt and other infectious sources. Sensible precautions could save you from suffering everything from sniffles to pneumonia.

You see the attractive per day advertised prices for hotel rooms and Airbnb houses at $100 or less a night. Then a big surprise when you check out. Pumping up the price can include local taxes, resort fees and other expenses making the out-of-pocket totals as much as $150 a night, or as currently popular ad scams bait them, $149.99.

Now, with rising labor expenses, expect charges for cleaning up from your messy stay. Not too long ago, those costs weren’t included because maids earned minimum wages and their duties were absorbed in the price. Now, hotels and private renters claim to pay much more for cleaning, laundry, repairs and other duties to make the property ready for the next guests. So, if that friendly b&b advertised per night rate is $99.99, be prepared to shell out another unfriendly $49.99 or so.

Savvy senior travelers have an advantage over younger ones, and should always apply it. As you check in at the front desk, ask for any deals that apply to senior guests. Say you’re celebrating an anniversary, birthday, military reunion or other important event.

Or, with your craggy senior face and cheerful demeanor, make up a convincing reason for deserving a better and/or cheaper room. Keep your attitude friendly and polite, and if it isn’t the hotel’s busy season, you may be happily surprised with a balcony room and/or discount from the advertised price. And when you get that $500 hot tub suite for $50 a night, don’t forget to tip the friendly desk clerk $10 or so.