With the holiday season quickly approaching, more and more travel plans are being made. Which, in turn, means that the airports and roads become busier than ever.

As someone who has lived in three different states, I have travelled during the holidays for most of my life and truly understand the frustration that comes with it. Because of this, I have created a checklist in order to help you avoid much of the misery I have encountered over the years.

1. Do your research.

If you are anything like me, you enjoy being over-prepared and ready to make your airport experience as smooth as possible. In order to do this, a few days before your flight I suggest doing some research! If you have never been to the airport you are flying out of, make sure to go onto their website, look for images, and get a feel of the layout. Same goes for any airport you will be going through during any connecting flights. Airports can be incredibly confusing and the last thing you want to do is walk around aimlessly, trying to find whatever it is you’re looking for.

With this, make sure that the airports you are traveling to and from are equipped with whatever needs you may have, such as restaurants, rental car companies, shuttles and more.

It may also be beneficial for you to visit the TSA website in order to understand what restrictions you may face!

2. Know how to pack your suitcase.

I cannot stress this one enough. First off, make sure that you understand your airline’s policy on personal items, carry-on bags, and luggage. Make sure you know how large each of these bags can be, as well as how much they can weigh (most airlines have a 40 or 50 lb. limit). If you have a scale at your disposal, weigh your luggage prior to arriving at the airport. Many airlines will charge an arm and a leg if your bag is overweight! With this, if you are expecting to receive gifts or go shopping while on vacation, make sure to leave some extra wiggle room in your bag for your return flight. Also keep in mind that depending on where you are traveling to, you may have a washer and dryer you are able to use! If that is the case, you do not need to pack six pairs of jeans, 12 sweaters, or 30 pairs of socks!

P.S. Don’t forget to put a tag on your luggage just in case it gets lost. And, if your luggage is a neutral, common color, I suggest tying something brightly colored to the handle in order to make it more identifiable come baggage claim time!

3. Know how to pack your carry-on.

Oh, goodness. Efficiently packing your carry-on bag is incredibly important. I always suggest packing an extra outfit in your carry-on just in case your checked luggage gets lost. Always pack any medications, or medical devices, in your carry-on bag so that they are easily accessible. If you have a long travel day, I suggest packing a snack or two, as well as some Advil/Tylenol. I also suggest packing a book or a magazine, as well as any electronic device you may want. Make sure you remember to pack all chargers for your electronics, and to pack everything in an organized fashion. If you are easily annoyed by crying babies, or just enjoy silence, pack some earplugs! With this, please remember that you cannot pack any aerosols or any fluids over three ounces, and that your fluids should be stored in a clear, plastic baggy.

4. Check-in and pay for your luggage online.

Most airlines will allow you to check-in 24 hours prior to your flight, as well as allow you to pay for your luggage via their website. I highly suggest taking advantage of this, as it will expedite your airport process. The line of people who have to check-in is never-ending, especially during the holidays. By checking-in and paying for your luggage in advance, you are able to avoid the lines and get to security much faster.

5. Arrive at the airport at least two hours early.

Most airports suggest you arrive “at least 75 minutes early” but I am here to tell you, that is not enough time. I suggest you arrive at the airport at least two hours early in order to avoid the largest crowds. By doing this, you will be able to drop off your luggage and get through security much quicker, no longer running the risk of missing your flight! Trust me, you do not want to be that person that has to sprint from one terminal to the other, simply because you arrived at the airport too late. By arriving early, you have time to get through security, find your gate, use the restroom, and relax a second before boarding your flight.

6. Be prepared, and observant, when going through security.

Going through security is my biggest airport pet peeve. It is the one thing I truly struggle with the most, as I get impatient as hell. Someone always “forgets” the rules and backs up the entire line. So please, I beg of you, don’t be that person.

First off, if you are in a hurry to get through security, I suggest you avoid getting behind the following people (if you have the option):

• Elderly folks. Don’t get me wrong, I love the elderly. But when I need to get through security sooner than later, I avoid getting stuck behind them. Slow and steady does not win the security line race.
• Families. Again, I’m not trying to offend anyone – I love families! But getting behind them in the security line can be a pain in the ass. So many toys. So many electronics. So many shoes, etc., etc.
• Anyone with more than two carry-on bags. The security process is already tolling enough, but waiting for someone to empty three or more carry-on bags, and then collect everything after the bags have been scanned, is annoying as hell.
• Anyone wearing lace-up tennis shoes. Lord Jesus, be with me. When I wear sneakers, especially in an airport, I make a point of just slipping them on and off. But, not everyone is like me. Some people get down and take the time to untie their shoes. They also take the time to get back down and re-tie them once through security. I almost always end up with someone’s ass in my face, and waiting however long for them to make a perfect bow out of their freaking shoelaces.

Secondly, keep these few things in mind:

• Have your drivers license or passport, as well as your ticket, out and ready to be shown to the TSA agent at the entrance of the security line.
• Your clear, plastic baggy of three ounce fluids must come out of your carry-on, and be placed into a bin before sending it through the scanning machine.
• If you have packed a laptop, iPad or tablet, it must also come out of your bag and into its own bin.
• Take every single thing out of your pockets, and take off your shoes. I always suggest wearing shoes that are easy to slip on and off, as well as carrying limited things on your person, in order to speed up this process.

7. Be ready to find your connecting flight.

If you have limited time between flights, I highly suggest getting an aisle seat on your first flight. This will allow you to jump into the aisle and get off the plane much faster than if you were stuck in a window seat. I also suggest taking a look at the airport maps, which on most airlines can be found in a magazine or pamphlet located in the seat pocket in front of you. By doing this, you will become a little more familiar with the layout of the airport which will then allow you to find your gate more quickly. If you ever find that you are lost, do not panic! Simply find an airport employee and ask for guidance. Once you make it to your gate, decide whether or not you have time to grab food or use the restroom without missing your flight.

8. Remember your manners, and be as patient as possible.

If you desperately want to keep to yourself, but get stuck next to someone who just will not stop talking, take a deep breath and make up an excuse of some sort. It is 100 percent OK to say something like, “Man, I have a headache. I think I am going to watch a movie and relax. It’s been great talking to you!”

If you are in a hurry to get to your connecting flight, make sure that you remember to say “excuse me” when running past people, as well as “I'm sorry” if you happen to push or bump anyone. People are much more inclined to move out of your way if you are polite!

If you find that you are lost, or having some sort of ticketing/seating/luggage issue, remember to be friendly with the airport staff. Again, people are much more inclined to help someone who treats them with respect and kindness.

Also, keep in mind that it's the holiday season! That should be reason enough to be nice.

9. Stay calm and take a deep breath!

Things happen. Unfortunately, you cannot control the universe. If your flight becomes delayed, your luggage gets lost, you sit next to someone that smells, or you miss your connecting flight, stay calm (as hard as that may be). These things, contrary to popular belief, are not the end of the world. There will always be another flight, a way to locate your luggage, and a way to avoid that smelly person.

If you do happen to get stuck somewhere due to weather delays or missing a connection, simply find an employee of the airline you are traveling on and make a new plan. If you have a decent amount of time to kill, find a lounge or restaurant to hangout in, charge your phone and stay optimistic!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS! HAPPY TRAVELING!