I humbly bow before all you veterens of airtravel and seek your advice and any tips on how to handle a long haul flights.

I have never flown before and am flying out to LAX from Sydney in June traveling premium economy.

Firstly is premium economy worth it? I am 6 ft 6 (199cm tall) and don't think I can even fit in standard economy and don't have enough money for business class.

When checking in with Qantas, if I arrive early do I get to pick a seat or do they just allocate anything? Being my height I want to try and get an exit row PE seat (oh and I am flying the a380)

How do you stay sane on a flight for 14 hours plus the hours spent in the airport.

Is LAX airport really that bad, in terms of chaos, long lines and nasty immigration and custom staff?

Patches or nicotine gum ?