Booking the Flight

• On many airlines, direct one-way flights are usually the most expensive while the cheapest fares often involve long layovers. Some routes will actually start in the opposite direction before turning around to your destination. If a smaller, "low-fare" carrier has flights to your destination, try them over the larger "legacy" carriers. They usually have flat fares as opposed to the first class/business/coach system the larger carriers use. Air fares can change frequently, but any flight usually costs less the earlier you book it. Booking online will often get you the cheapest fares, be it directly with the carrier or an online travel agent or price comparison site like Expedia or Priceline. Many airlines will allow you to print your boarding pass from your computer, so you won't need to wait in line to get it at the airport.
  
  

Packing Baggage

• Make sure you know which of your bags can be carried onto the flight and which must be checked. Most airlines allow only one carry-on bag, and it must be small enough to fit under your seat or inside the plane's overhead compartment. The size limit for carry-on bags can vary depending on the airline, ranging from 24 to 40 inches in length. Airlines may also charge fees for extra checked bags and ones of excessive weight. When packing carry-on bags, all bottled liquids, gels or aerosols must be three ounces or less and inside a quart-size plastic bag.
  
  

Airport Arrival

• Arrive at the airport at least an hour and a half before your scheduled departure, especially if you have baggage to check. Learn the terminal and gate of your flight as soon as you can. The airline's website will post the latest flight and gate information, and the airport should broadcast the flight schedules over a radio station. Have your boarding pass and photo ID ready to show to security agents at the airport terminal. Expired IDs will not be accepted. All electronic devices and the bag of liquids must be removed from carry-on bags -- including laptop computers, which must be removed from cases -- and scanned through the X-ray machine separately. Travelers must remove jackets, shoes, belts and all metallic items from pockets and scan them also. In-flight meals are usually limited to first-class travelers on larger airlines. Consider packing a meal before heading to the airport, but remember that you will have to buy beverages after you pass through security.