Booking Your Ticket

• If possible, always try to book a "nonstop" flight. Having to connect at different airports is not only stressful, but you may miss your connecting flight because of delays. Nonstop flights may be more expensive in the long run, but they will save you time and put your mind at ease. Also, make sure when you book your ticket you use the same name as on your identification. Don't use a nickname or a credit card that has a variation of your legal name. Having your ticket and identification match will get you through the airline ticket counter and security checkpoints much faster than with documents that don't match.
  
  

Use Samples Instead of Full Bottles

• Instead of worrying about bottle sizes and what liquids you can and cannot bring on the plane, buy sample-size bottles of any cosmetics, moisturizers and other items you will need. See the Resources section below for a link to free samples you can obtain. If you need razors or other grooming accessories, purchase them after you have arrived at your destination. It is better to buy what you need later than to have razors, bottles and other personal items confiscated by airport security.
  
  

Packing Electronics

• When bringing electronics, only pack what you need and try to pack an item like a laptop flat in its own case. Don't pack your camera, iPod and other electronics with your laptop. As devices are being examined through the X-ray system, items in their own case can be seeing clearly. Do your own checkpoint--if you open a bag and see multiple items piled up on each other, remove those items and pack them where they can be placed flat. Also check for items you can't carry aboard a plane: nail clippers, scissors, matches and lighters.
  
  

Be Prepared

• The night before your flight, place your bags by the front door, your keys and anything else you need to take to the airport. Have your ticket and identification together and ready for when you arrive at the airport. Plan to be at the airport at least two hours before taking a morning flight. Arrive at least three hours before a flight at any other time. When you get out of your car or taxi at the airport, relax and walk in with positive thoughts.