With summer in full swing, family vacations are becoming more frequent — and that means more flying.

Due to the release of the COVID-19 vaccine, more people are trusting and relying on air travel to go far distances in a short amount of time. However, being in an airport can be stressful — especially if one step in the process gets delayed. For the best travel experience, try using these tips that I've learned over several years of air travel.

Download your boarding passes onto your phone before arriving at the airport.

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Pack all of your clothes and belongings at least twelve hours in advance of your trip.

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Get plenty of rest before your first flight.

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Place some essential items in your carry on (just in case a flight gets delayed)!

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Bring only one carry on! Having multiple bags can lead to more stress and time spent on the plane.

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Write down a checklist of items to pack.

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Have ID handy at all times.

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Utilize TSA Precheck if at all possible!

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Pack hand sanitizer and extra masks.

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Bring phone chargers or games for the flight.

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Be aware of layover times and gate numbers for connecting flights.

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Eat somewhere close to your gate.

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I hope these tips help you with your upcoming flying endeavors.