I’m usually Ok to do without smoking with short hops of an hour or two, but now we’re planning to fly from Los Angeles to Hong Kong. It’s a 15-hour non-stop each way, my first ever, and I’m not sure how I can handle it. Any suggestions? MRL, Malibu CA

A: Remember the old days when smoking was allowed on flights? Several ideas. Ask the airline if vaping is permitted. If so, stock up some for the flights. If not,  bring candy that contains nicotine. Check the varieties and sources online. To make the flight hours pass, try a sleeping pill and/or order several wine and liquor drinks. Also, before flying, fill up your smartphone or laptop with soothing music and videos, such as Ella Fitzgerald classics, Gene Kelly dances and tuneful Elvis movies.

Maybe in the future of automation it will be a reality, but not quite yet. Your travel4seniors.com editor’s camera angle only makes it look like an empty front seat. Actually, the driver is leaning far back, and seems invisible as he takes tourists along the famous street.

Bring your stash aboard in a carry-on bag, but understand that no one is allowed to vape or light up during the flight. However, if you’ve smoked enough before boarding, the high-flying journey will be a dreamy one.

Always be aware that while pot is legal in California, it isn’t in some other states and countries. So, if your destination airport has anti-marijuana laws, be prepared for how the restrictions will affect you after landing and/or when boarding a connecting flight.

Along with most never-ending higher pricing, American Airlines, such as checked bags, is making your time in the sky more expensive. As of the new rip-off, the already overpriced drinks aboard your AA flight will be even more costly, with beer and wine $8 and liquor $9. Hey, any senior out there remember when in-flight meals were free and beer was a buck a bottle? And on your next AA flight, even if you join Alcoholics Anonymous, don’t try to sneak a hidden bottle of cheap booze aboard!