by Linda Reyburn

Created on: May 27, 2009   Last Updated: July 09, 2011

Travel can be fun when properly prepared for; it only takes a few things to help with a comfortable and safe journey.

Bag Preparation for Flights

Bring quart-size, zip-locked plastic bags in which to put your lip gloss, travel shampoo bottles and hand cream; any stray liquid-based item will be found at the bottom of your carry-on bag by the x-ray machines or security personnel. Leave the shavers and nail files in your check-in luggage, along with anything containing fluid over 3 ounces . Make sure to weigh your check-in luggage before lugging it on board. Depending on the airline, the over-weight bag penalties can range from $15-$175 per bag.

Remember that your handy laptop will have to be pulled out at every security checkpoint and placed it in a little plastic bin - slide it into the pocket of your carry-on, or near the top of your zippered bag. Ditto for your jacket, shoes, and anything metallic. These items will also come on handy during flights lasting more than 3 hours: a paperback novel, a pen, your wallet with ID and some cash, your cell phone, an extra sandwich and fruit, an empty water bottle (empty it before checkpoint and fill it before the flight to save $2.50), earphones, and a small neck pillow.

If you can, combine all these 'must-have' items into a small bag inside of your carry-on, so that when you're standing in line to get your seat on the plane, you can toss the small bag onto your seat and shove the carry-on overhead in a minute. Everyone around you will be grateful, and it will save waiting until the plane has taken off to root through your luggage for necessities. Also, just in case your luggage (or flight) gets delayed, add the deodorant, toothbrush, and an extra change of clothing.

Boarding Passes and Other Paperwork

 For a nap during the flight, make sure you've reserved a window seat - that's when the neck pillow comes in handy. Print out your boarding passes before you get to the airport or remember to save the text with the barcode and show it at the security check and before boarding; it saves standing in line to speak to airline personnel, or facing a delay at the kiosk. (Of course, make sure that your cell phone is fully charged if you only have the barcode on your phone.) If you want freedom to move around and keep your ankles from swelling via the prolonged sitting, ask for an aisle seat. Be kind to your seat-mate; they might save the free pretzels for you while you snooze.

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