Flying on an airplane isn’t always the most fun thing in the world. Your legs cramp up, you have to climb over your neighbor to use the restroom, and it’s nearly impossible to get some shut-eye.

Yes, these are all things we know—thanks Captain Obvious. But don’t worry, there’s also some not-so-evident facts about being on a plane you might want to know. So listen closely.

Here’s a collection of some of the best insider tips from seasoned flight attendants. Who would know better than them? Keep these in mind the next time you’re off for a tropical vacation or work trip:

1. You can fight the dryness.

   Ever notice how dry it gets in the cabin? That can have a serious effect on your skin. The humidity in the tight space can lead to dehydration, which can make your skin red, patchy, and uncomfortable. That plus other discomforts of being wedged in a seat made for ants makes for a not-so-fun flight.

   Flight attendants suggest packing moisturizer in your carry-on, as well as eye drops and a medicated lip balm. Also be sure you’re drinking as much water as you can to flight dehydration. (Consider buying a bottle of water at the airport, since flight attendants only come around so many times to refill that tiny cup.)

2. Opt for a ginger ale.

   Ginger ale is one of the most popular drinks on a plane—a Reddit user recently discovered this when he posted the question, “Do you order ginger ale on planes, but not on the ground?” and more than 200 people enthusiastically replied that they do.

   Since the mixture of ginger and carbonation in ginger ale has a soothing effect on your stomach when you’re feeling a little queasy (a common occurrence when you’re 35,000 feet in the air), most people crave the bubbly goodness when flying. Most importantly, know that ginger ale is the first drink that flight attendants run out of, so order it while you can!

3. Airplane mode is questionable.

   Rumor has it that cell phone signals can interfere with a plane’s navigation equipment. That’s why you’re always told to put your phone on airplane mode before takeoff. But has anyone ever proved that to be true?

   Cell phone use on planes is banned by the Federal Communications Commission, so you’re usually told to turn off your phone as your flight prepares for takeoff. But as it turns out, some flight attendants say they use their phones right up to the moment before the plane leaves the ground. Hmmm, we’re definitely going to do the same! Gotta get that plane wing picture posted to the ‘gram somehow, amirite?

4. Flight attendants can technically accept tips.

   When you get an especially courteous flight attendant, you might feel compelled to give them a little something for their excellent service. But don’t be surprised if they say they can’t accept it—because they can’t. At least not the first time. But apparently, if you offer a tip a second time, they’re allowed to accept it at that point. So next time you want to tip, just be sure to be very insistent.

5. Don’t eat off the tray table.

   Ever have a peanut fall onto the tray table? A piece of your in-flight chicken drops from your lips to the tray? Do not, we repeat, do NOT eat whatever touches that tray for a second. While flight crews clean their cabins regularly, flight attendants say they’ve seen everything on those tray tables—from changing their baby’s diapers to passengers clipping their own toenails. Um, so gross!

How crazy are these plane secrets? For even more insider tips like these, check out the video below!