How to Get Booted From a Plane

There was a good reason to sue over hot coffee

(NEWSER) - We’ve all heard the complaints: America is the land of lawsuits, the kind of place that has to label its coffee with “Warning: Hot!” But Cracked takes a second look at the frivolous lawsuits of legend:

• Woman sues McDonald’s for millions ... because her coffee was hot. The coffee she spilled was hot enough to give her third-degree burns over 6% of her body. And she actually got just $640,000, some of which went to pay for skin grafts. Plus, the jury still called the accident 20% her fault, and reduced the award accordingly.

(NEWSER) - Nobody likes the middle seat on an airplane, and a recent study shows fliers would rather endure some novel discomforts than sit squeezed between two seatmates. BlackBook runs down a few—as well as what's particularly unpleasant about the middle seat.

• 56% of respondents would rather have their teeth drilled at the dentist's.
• 54% would prefer a doctor's visit to the middle seat.
• 20% of fliers would spend the night at an airport hotel for a chance at an aisle seat the next day.

Tiffany's, 42 restaurants, and a booze-friendly cinema

(NEWSER) - Heathrow’s new terminal has hit such turbulence with its opening that it may seem an odd time to sing its praises. But once the delays and lost luggage are solved, this massive addition, designed to eradicate the “Heathrow hassle,” will lure fliers with plenty of perks, reports Forbes.

1. From caviar to Krispy Kreme, 42 restaurants fill the terminal
2. Two spas serve up complimentary massages and facials
3. Hyper-fast check-in

Damages claimed for mistaken impressions, aggressive toilet seat

(NEWSER) - Emotional trauma because she used the men’s restroom? Surfer in pain after losing his wave? The Daily Mirror digs up the silliest lawsuits ever filed:

1. Whale tale: After their 27-year-old son was found dead on the back of an orca, parents sued SeaWorld for depicting killer whales as huggable stuffed animals.
2. My name’s Jackass, too! A man named "Jack Ass" sued MTV for plagiarizing adopted moniker.

Columnist pumps experts for hard-earned knowledge, tips

(NEWSER) - MSNBC travel columnist Christopher Elliott asks those sulky veterans of the airways— business travelers—for their best tips on making life on the road tolerable:

1. Expect nothing, and you won't be disappointed.
2. Be nice. It can't hurt, and it might even help.
3. Never pay cash—credit cards offer some protection against scams.