You see it all the time in the movies. Boy sits next to girl on plane. Boy is hot. Girl ain't so bad either. Boy and girl share a travel-size bottle of Dewar's. Or two. Or three. Boy and girl end up putting dents in the bathroom walls while joining the mile-high club. Boy and girl land and spend the next 60 minutes of the movie falling in and out of love, but ultimately walk down the aisle at the end.

Okay, so maybe you don't see that all the time in the movies. But we've all seen it once or twice. And perhaps dreamed of it even more--dreamed of being seated next to that perfectly gorgeous and charming stranger on a flight, fate seating you next to each other for a full two hours and thirty-four minutes, during which time you have no choice but to talk and, of course, fall madly in love. I have even heard of this happening once in real life.

But not in mine. If your travels are anything like mine, chances are, you'll be stuck next to the old person who doesn't shut up. The fat person who smells. Or the baby who doesn't stop crying and kicking the whole ear-piercing flight. If this is what fate deems necessary for you, how can you possibly increase your chances of romance en route?

Truth is, travel makes for great opportunities to meet that fabulous Mr. or Ms. Right-now. But, you've gotta work it. Follow these few tips, and see if you don't at least get a smile and help with your suitcase along your way…and I’m not talkin’ just luggage. ;-)

1. Dress the part. It is tempting to throw on your sweats and gym shoes when you travel, I know. To not wear make-up. Doff a baseball cap. Look anything but your best. Especially on a long flight. Lord knows, this is how I travel 75% of the time, when I'm rushed. But, the next time you travel, pretend that you are Rita Hayworth or Clark Gable on vacation. Don't dress so that you'll be miserably uncomfortable--we've all seen those folks who travel in three-inch heels and mini-skirts trying to make their way through a mile-long airport, bags in tow. But, don't get on the plane looking like you've just rolled out of bed, either. Do your hair. Put on full make-up. Wear nice slacks. Nice shoes. A cashmere jacket or pashmina. And, for the piece de resistance, Hollywood sunglasses. Even during the flight. Sure, you'll get stares, but isn't that the point? I once had a complete stranger stop his rush through an airport just to tell me I "had great style," and then continue on his way. If you do end up sitting next to Mr. or Ms. Wonderful, at least you won't have to dash to the bathroom to try and do a quick-fix makeover before you can say more than, "Excuse me" on your way out.

2. Choose gate seating carefully. Before you plop anywhere to wait for your flight, scan the entire waiting area for attractive members of the opposite sex. While it may be tempting to sit in that completely unoccupied row on the other end of the waiting room, fight your instincts and sit by the attractive, single person. If they don't say anything to you after sitting for a few minutes, ask if they'll "watch your bag" for a minute while you run to the garbage can or the ticket counter (stay within eyesight) for some made-up reason. Few people would say no to this. Upon your return, give your sincere thanks and strike up a conversation. "Traveling for business or pleasure?" or "Leaving home or flying to it?" are both great, organic conversation-starters.

3. Kill time with a cocktail. If you have a really long wait, pass on the waiting area and head to the nearest bar. Airport bars are great places to meet people. They attract a wider cross-section of people than normal, neighborhood bars do, and, unlike the bars you go to at home, many of the people in airport bars are there alone. They have nothing to do and no one to talk to. They will welcome anyone of similar liquor-mindedness who might help them pass the time. If you're really lucky, you may end up meeting someone who's also on your flight, or someone you can hook up with when you both return from wherever you're heading. Just be sure to keep your eye on the clock, and your intake, so you don't miss your flight.

4. Crash the airline's private lounge. In opposition to the general airport bar, the airlines’ private lounges exist only to exclude the riff-raff. They are the private clubs of the frequent traveler. Free food. Free cocktails. Big-screen TVs. Modems. Waiters. Bathrooms. And Compass-friendly clientele. The very fact that you're there seems to mean you're worthy of talking to. Striking up a conversation with someone here is very easy. "Sounds great. But I'm not a club member, so how do I get in?" you say? Remember, boldness is the key to a great vacation.

Hold your carry-on tight, swing open the doors, and just walk in. Walk straight past the desk, like you belong, like you were already there, just ten minutes ago. If they stop you, just keep on walking. If they persist, say you were just there. Pull attitude. Do not reveal your true identity or, worse yet, your true flight and seat assignment--they will quickly look you up and see that you're an intruder. If you don't let on that you don't belong, chances are they won't get it. And, if they do, and kick you out, so what? It's not like they'll put you in a master airline database with a black mark that will show up every time you book a flight from now until your death. You simply get kicked out. At which point, you just walk on and find the nearest every-man bar. You may have to pay for the drink, but you can still order a martini and make eyes with the hot flight attendant across the way.

5. Damsel-in-distress. Ladies: If you have a larger-size carry-on, like moi, do not put it in the overhead bin immediately upon boarding the plane. Instead, sit the bag on your seat and stand in front of your seat, out of the aisle. Scope out the people coming down the aisle. If you spot a handsome, muscle-laden man coming your way, discreetly step back into the aisle right in front of him and "attempt" to put your bag in the overhead bin. When it seems to be too much for you to handle yourself, ask the fine-looking man in the aisle to give you a hand. Or, if the aisle is too full for you to step out in front of your target male, allow him to pass, then, when the aisle opens up, carry your bag down the aisle to an overhead compartment near his seat and put your bag above him, again asking for his help. You'll have to backtrack when you get off the flight, but what's a five minute-delay when we're talking about the possible love of your life?

Men: Play the helper. Be on the look-out for attractive damsels in distress struggling with their luggage up and down the aisle. Come to their rescue. They'll remember you for it.

6. Love at the bathroom? Most bathroom areas on a plane often have lines of people waiting outside them, especially after a movie or a meal. If you happen to see someone attractive--maybe the person you helped with the overhead bin--head to the bathroom, you can "coincidentally" head to the bathroom at the same time. Strike up a conversation while waiting in line. "Do you always travel so light?" You might get a laugh, and she'd be hard-pressed not to respond.

While you're in the bathroom, "freshen up" so you can be sure you still look good when you say your good-byes.

7. Exiting Endgame. Waiting in the aisles to disembark the plane together, or heading to the baggage claim area via the same path, all provide great opportunity to finally talk to someone you've been eyeing, but haven't had a chance to speak with yet. Remember, though--the clock is ticking. Once you're off the plane, you may never see them again--or only at the baggage claim, and then they're out of your life forever. You can talk about the turbulence, the meal, the movie, their trip, your trip, whatever seems natural! If it's going well, walk with them to baggage claim. Or catch up with them en route to baggage claim. That's where you can really seal a deal.

8. Claim their number along with your baggage--It's now or never. While your target is standing by the conveyer belt, looking around impatiently, see if you can't catch their eye. Elbow your way in next to them. It's your last chance to find out where they're headed and see if you can't hook up once they're settled. Help them with their bag. Ask them if they'd like to share a cab. (I trust you ladies will be smart, though, and not put yourself in a precarious situation--there are still freaks out there, and they're often in sheep's clothing.) Ask them for their number. Or offer yours. You may end up with that vacation romance you've always dreamed of.

Any of these tips can be transferred to other methods of transportation, too: train or boat or even bus. The core rules are simple: always look your best, choose your seat carefully, and be bold. Mighty forces will come to your aid. Maybe even fate.