For anyone who hasn’t flown before, their first time through the airport can be a confusing, stressful experience. There are strict rules to follow, lines to stand in, and plenty of people to move around. If this is your first time flying, some basic air travel tips will make the experience safer for you, less stressful, and will help you to get from your home to your destination without a hitch.

Get There Early

One of the most important air travel tips, the one that will help to make up for any other problems along the way, is to get to the airport early. Most airports won’t let you get a boarding pass unless you arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your flight, but you will also have to go through the security checkpoint. Most people who fly suggest arriving at least two hours prior to your flight’s departure time, which is good number. You don’t want to get stuck in the middle of the security line when your plane leaves the gate!

Pack Light

While every person’s definition of packing light is subjective, this is another one of the air travel tips that will make your flying experience easier. Rather than try to manage the largest carry-on bag that you can get away with, pack a small bag with a book, some magazines, or whatever will get you through your flight, and pack a second bag that you can check. If your bag is small enough, you can easily fit it under the seat in front of you, which makes getting on and off the plane easier.

Eat Before The Airport

In this set of tips for air travel, this is one that your wallet will appreciate most: eat before you go to the airport. Many airports have a wonderful variety of businesses in their terminals so you can grab a bite to eat while waiting for your flight. However, most of it is fast food, which is salty and greasy, and also overpriced. Rather than spend two bucks on a bottle of soda that costs half that anywhere else, grab a bite to eat before you get to the airport.

Relax

Of course, above all other air travel tips is the advice that you should relax when flying. All the hoops you have to jump through at the airport, the check-in process, the long security lines, and so on, add up to a flying experience that is safer than ever before. Airline employees and airport staff do everything they can to take the stress out of a rather busy experience, so rest assured that mishaps will be minimized. So relax, and enjoy your first flying experience!