Most flights typically begin boarding aircraft 30 minutes before flight time for domestic flights (45 minutes for international flights) in order to help ensure an on-time departure.

If the web-site your visiting offers Flight Status Notification, you’ll receive flight arrival/departure times, as well as gate and baggage information – all via e-mail or phone.

Check-in beforehand for your flight. Visit your airlines website. Most airlines are offering advance check in, up to 24 hours prior to flight, select or change seats, and print out your boarding pass – all of which can reduce time and stress at the airport. Checking a bag? When you arrive at the airport, simply scan the bar code on your boarding pass at a self-service machine to check your luggage.

Traveling domestically? You’ll need a government-issued photo ID. If you’re traveling internationally, don’t forget your passport, as well as other important documents such as visas, tourist cards and the like. Make copies and carry an extra set with you (or electronically scan them and e-mail a copy to yourself); let others back home have a copy, too.

Consider travel insurance You often don’t need it but when a situation arises, the cost of not having
insurance is far, far greater than the cost of the premium.

Tightly rolling clothes into compact pieces allows for much tighter packing that fits more items into the suitcase. It also cuts down on creases but makes some items into wrinkly messes. Rolling can be used on small items, especially those made of synthetic fabrics, such as nylon, that are less likely to wrinkle than natural fabrics, such as cotton. Rolling works well for shorts, socks, synthetic T-shirts and tank tops, some pajamas and sweats.

Liquids, gels, and aerosols are permitted in 3 ounce containers, placed in a 1 quart-size, clear plastic, zip-top bag, one bag per traveler.