The Flight

These tips will help make your flight more enjoyable and make it not seem as long.

Before you board your Flight

• Arrive at the airport up to two hours before departure for domestic flights and up to three hours for international flights. Adhere to the airline's check-in time. Personally pack your luggage so you will be able to answer questions about the contents when asked by airline personnel. If you did not pack the luggage, belongings may be subject to a search. Laptop computers and other electronic devices might require additional time to clear security.
• Never leave luggage or carry-on items unattended or under the watch of a stranger at the airport. They could be stolen or be used by someone trying to sneak an illegal item on board an airplane. Also, luggage that appears to be abandoned may look suspicious to airport security personnel and be confiscated.
• Keep carry-on baggage to a minimum. Heavy passenger volume may limit storage capacity in overhead bins and under seats. Some airlines now limit the amount of carry-on luggage, so check with the airline or travel agent for restrictions.

Boarding the Flight

• Be at the gate at least 20 minutes prior to departure for domestic flight, and 30 minutes for international flights. If you fail to meet these deadlines, you may be considered a no-show, and airlines can legally give your seat away. Have your photo ID and ticket with boarding pass in hand to reduce delays.
• Avoid standing in line during boarding. Airlines generally board the last rows in the plans first to minimize congestion and confusion.
• Use caution and courtesy when storing carry-on baggage. Large carry-on bags can irritate or injure other passengers, so handle them carefully.

In Flight

• Be courteous to other passengers. Remember that there is someone behind you when reclining your seat. When leaving and returning to your seat, try not to grab, kick or bump the seat in front of you. If traveling with children, provide them with some games, quiet toys or books to keep them from disturbing others.
• Listen to and follow instructions of the pilot and flight attendants. Most airlines have adopted a policy that requires passengers to keep seat belts fastened at all times when seated.
• Be considerate when receiving service. Realize that others are waiting too, so don't create unnecessary delays.

Disembarking

Listen carefully to arrival announcements made during the landing. If you missed or couldn't hear it, ask an attendant for the information to help you know where to find your luggage, the gate to your next flight or how to get to customs and passport control. Don't panic if you're late -- tour companies and those meeting the flight will most likely have called ahead to get the arrival time of your flight.

• Don't stand up immediately after the seat belt light goes off. Be patient and wait for passengers seated in front of you to leave.
• After you've exited the plane, don't block the path of other passengers to wait for your travel companion(s)