Traveling by Plane? Check out these Helpful Suggestions for Air Travelers

Before the flight

1. Make sure you know the flight number of all your flights. Write it down where you can reach it easily. You will need it to find the counter to check in, to find your gate to board the plane, and to claim your luggage. Also for some countries you have to fill out lots of forms on entering or leaving and they always ask you for the flight number.

2. Some flights have more than one flight number, sometimes from the same airline, sometimes from different airlines working together.

What to bring

1. Most importantly, bring a good book. Airlines keep you busy with food and entertained with movies and other films, but there is still a lot of time to kill.

2. Planning to sleep on your flight? Be sure to bring ear plugs and something to put over your eyes, if you need it. It might be a good idea to get a U-shaped inflatable head rest that goes around your neck to keep your head from flopping to the side.

3. Pack all toiletries, medication, etc. that you need.

4. Most times the air conditioning on planes can be quite cold, so be sure to wear long pants and bring a sweater or sweatshirt to keep warm. Blankets are normally provided.

5. Most airlines officially only allow one piece of hand luggage. Place the things you won't need on the plane (like your cell phone) at the bottom of the bag and your books, toiletries and other items you need on the plane on top. Once inside the plane you can take out those items quickly and put them in the seat pocket in front of you.

6. Checked-in luggage can get lost. Place all things you really need (maybe some extra clothes, hotel reservation info, etc.) and all valuables (laptop, camera, etc.) in the carry-on bag.

After the flight

1. When the aircraft reaches the gate there is often a mad rush to get up, get luggage out and leave the plane. There is really no reason for this because, after leaving the plane, you have to wait for your checked-in baggage anyway. So take your time.

2. When you collect your baggage, make sure you are at the right baggage claim. Sometimes there is more than one conveyor belt.