by Tara Wilson

Created on: March 13, 2007   Last Updated: October 23, 2009

It's 6:45am. I have a flight that leaves at 8:06 to Georgia. I am a little tired but I have my coffee and plenty of time, or so I thought. I walk into the airport to a line, easily 350 people long and not one of them seems to be prepared for travel. Needless to say, I missed my flight, but rather than curse those who do not prepare, I offer advice, coming from someone who is both a traveller and works in the industry.

Airport:

- Be early! It's recommended an hour to an hour and a half prior to domestic flights, and at least 2 hours before an international flight. In these new times of security, it's a good idea to play it safe. There are plenty of restaurants and newsstands in the terminals any more that if you have extra time, you won't get bored.

- Have all of your documents ready before you get to the counter/e-check-in: You will always need your paper ticket and license/passport if you have to check in at the counter. If you are using electronic check-in, you will need your ticket details as well as the credit card used to make your purchase. The credit card machine on the e-check-in booth works the same as it does at any atm or store. It doesn't take lots of time and thought. Let the delay be the person at the counter getting your luggage rather than you. You will make fewer enemies this way.

-Security: Okay, security is pretty much routine where-ever you go. Be prepared to take your shoes off. Have your jacket off already. If you have any liquids you are bringing on to the flight, be sure that each one is no more than 3 oz. and all of the containers fit into a 1 quart zip-lock bag. Have this bag out as well because it needs to go into the scanner. Have your jewelry/belts off prior to getting up to the metal detector. You know if you have metal on and you know that chances are if you are wearing the metal studded belt while going thru the metal detector, you are just going to have to go back and take it off. Answer any questions security has. The more forethcoming you are with information, the shorter the process. Be sure if you are carrying a laptop, to take it out of the bag and place into the plastic bin that goes thru the scanner. Again, if everyone is prepared prior to getting to the scanner, the process will go that much faster.

-Prior to getting on the plane, make sure you have out already everything you are going to want out during the flight, if you are planning on putting your things in the overhead compartment. That way, all you have to do is

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