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10 Tips for Easing a Trip Right Out of the Gate

Are you planning to fly soon? From buying tickets to boarding a plane, it's a
new world out there — and it pays to be smart. Increased security, fewer
flights, earlier check-ins, luggage limitations: Even if you're not a fearful flyer,
getting from point A to point B still can be stressful. Consider taking some of
these smart steps the next time you fly.

1. Buy Tickets Online
it couldn't be easier to book a flight online using a major Web travel agent
where you can compare prices (e.g. Kayak, Orbitz). If you have questions or
prefer to book offline, choose a Web site that also offers 800-number service
(Expedia, Travelocity). To save money on a flight when you have a flexible
schedule, also check the online discounters (Hotwire, Priceline.) After you
buy, you'll get an eTicket number, which is your purchase confirmation.

2. Select Your Seat Online
When you buy online, it's smart to take the time to click through to a schematic
of the interior of the plane with available seats indicated. Click on the one you
want, and its location is recorded. That way, you won't arrive at the gate
without a seat assignment and end up in the middle seat. Before making a
decision, see choose the best seats when you fly.

3. Print Out Your Boarding Pass Before You Leave Home
Use the check-in page on your airline's Web site, key in your eTicket code, and
print a boarding pass from your home computer as long as 24 hours before
take-off time. If you're traveling internationally, you will need to enter your
passport info as well. The boarding pass bears your name, flight information,
and a bar code the flight attendant scans at the gate. If you have luggage, you
will still have to stand in line to deposit it before you go through security.

4. Hire a Car for Your Trip to the Airport
Parking at an airport can be expensive. And asking someone else to drive you
there may be inconvenient. In many cities, mass transit is non-existent or
impractical for someone with a suitcase. Although I can hail a taxi on the street
where I live, I usually arrange for a private car the day before. The driver
arrives a few minutes early in an immaculate black sedan and helps me with
my luggage. It doesn't cost much more than a taxi and I am able to put the
charge (which includes toll and tip) on my credit card, helpful for record-
keeping.

5. Bring Something to Eat from Home
With a few first-class exceptions, airline food always has been notoriously bad.
Now it's worse. And fewer and fewer airlines are offering sustenance on
shorter flights. That means you may get a free beverage and a small bag of
pretzels, just a drink, or nothing at all when you fly. If your flight becomes
delayed and you haven't eaten, that makes for discomfort. Consequently,
airport vendors, from Starbucks to Burger King, are doing tremendous airport
business. So much, in fact, that lines can be long and passengers risk missing
a flight to acquire victuals, which can be low in nutritional value. The smart
solution: Pack your own "care package" before you leave home.

6. Take Right-Size Carry-On Luggage
One of the stressors of flying -- especially when you must change planes -- is
worrying whether your luggage will arrive the same time you do. If it's a short
trip, pare down to the bare essentials and just take a wheeled carry-on that
meets your airline's onboard size and weight requirements.

7. Arrive at the Airport Early
Show up well before your flight departs. For a domestic flight, 75 minutes is
recommended. If you're departing from a large airport, add 15 minutes to that.
If your flight goes overseas, be at the airport at least two hours in advance.
The last thing you want to do is have to find another flight if you can't drop off
your luggage in time and can't get to your gate.

8. Bring Government-Issued Photo Identification
At check-in, at security, and at the boarding gate you will be asked to show
your passport with your boarding pass. Have both pieces handy so that you
don't have to dig for them each time. Note: Some countries will not allow you
to enter with a passport that has a close expiration date. It's smart to check
before you fly, and arrange to get a new passport if necessary.

9. Prepare to Go through Security
If you're carrying a water bottle or other drink, toss it in the trash before you
go through security. Your coat, your bag, and in many airports your shoes
must be placed in supplied bins that travel on a slow conveyor belt. But that's
not all. If you're traveling with a laptop, that will need to be removed from your
carry-on and go in its own bin (do keep a close eye on that laptop). And be
aware of TSA liquid restrictions. Keep your boarding pass and your passport in
your hand as you walk through the body scanner.

10. Stay Calm
So many people, rushing around. Understaffed bureaus. Long lines. Delayed
and cancelled flights. It's a recipe for anxiety, but don't let it get to you. Stay
focused on where you need to go, and propel yourselves. Ask questions. And
if you're worried you won't get to the gate on time, tell an employee so they
can fast-track you. And remind yourselves that you're about to embark on a
great trip despite any temporary inconveniences.