An airport is a gateway to virtually anywhere on earth, which is why I find them so intriguing. However, they can be a bit intimidating if you don’t feel super comfortable. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler hoping to score a few new ideas before you take off on your next adventure, or are packing your bags for the first time on an airplane, there’s always something new to be learned. So fasten those seat belts, stow your baggage in the overhead compartments, sit back, relax, and enjoy your flight through this article.

TSA

1. Make sure all your liquids are in a plastic bag in an accessible pocket. This includes (but is not limited to) toothpaste, mascara, inhalers, shampoo, body wash, and hand sanitizer. When you grab your bin, simply plop your bag of liquids in there and you’re good to go.
2. Do what the signs tell you to do before the agents have to. If you are all ready to go by the time you get your plastic bin, you won’t get frazzled with people telling you what to do. In fact, the TSA agents will be grateful for your preparation.
3. Don’t worry when you have to go through the rapiscan machine. The radiation you receive is minimal, and the scanner is efficient and accurate.
4. After you grab your bin and bags, go to a bench and set everything down. You can get situated and make sure you have everything without being rushed.

The Flight

The flight is the easiest part because everything is out of your hands. This is the time when you can truly sit back and relax. If you have one flight or four on your journey, take this time to breathe easy and trust everything will be okay.

1. Think about the time zone you will be entering. If you are flying internationally, say to London, and your first flight is taking you to Chicago, think about London time from the very beginning. This will help you adjust to the new time zone much faster. Even if it’s midday, but it’s nighttime at your final destination, try to get some sleep.
2. Drink A LOT of water. Believe it or not, it is really easy to get dehydrated in the air. Bring an empty water bottle with you and fill it up before hopping on the plane in order to ensure you have water. Each time the flight attendants pass, even if you aren’t thirsty, ask for water. You will feel so much better when you touch down if you have enough water in your system.
3. Buy a portable charging device before the trip to use on the plane. A lot of airlines are beginning to add USB outlets to charge your devices on, so take advantage of those first. However, there are still many flights where you won’t have any access to power, and you’ll want it. Having a charging device will enable you to use your phone on the flight, but also be able to have it and contact people when you land.

The Layover

Layovers can make or break your journey to the destination, so don’t let them damper your mood.

1. As soon as you get off your plane, go to the gate to your next flight and check to see if that’s still where your flight is departing from. This is subject to change at any time, so make sure you keep checking the gate.
2. Grab a bite to eat if you have time. Look around for something appetizing, and give it a try. If you’re in a city with some sort of “famous” food, it’s fun to eat that while you’re there because you can say you had, for example, pizza in New York City or a cheesesteak in Philly.
3. Don’t be afraid to sleep on the ground or across some chairs. Make sure to set an alarm, though, so you don’t miss your flight. I used to wonder why some people would sleep on airport floors, until I flew internationally. I suddenly understood.
4. If you have a super long layover (seven hours or more), check to see if there are any fun things to see nearby. If you’re stopped in Minneapolis, swing by the Mall of America. Amsterdam? Why not check out the Anne Frank house?
5. Charge your devices. Find a spot with some outlets and charge away. You may not know when your next access to power is going to be, so take advantage of the power sources while you have them.

Each journey is its own, so prepare the best you know how, and then enjoy the ride! Wherever your plane takes you, I hope your seats are comfortable, your food delicious, and your memories fond.