8 Things To Do For a Pleasant Hassle Free Flight

In this day and age of heightened airline security, plane travel can be fraught with hassle, delays and frustration. Whilst we all understand the necessity for such measures, and are now somewhat resigned to the almost inevitable problems that you know will arise, there are a few things that you can do to minimise these.

1: Always book your tickets with a reputable, reliable airline. If you havn't travelled with a particular airline before do a little homework. It's easy these days on the internet to key in the name of the airline followed by "forums" and you'll find out all you need to know.

Avoid bucket shops and independent discount agents unless they are well known to you, or you know someone who has used them and can give you a personal recommendation. Check with your airline for any special deals. Sometimes just changing your departure date by a day or so can give you a great saving.

Always check your tickets to ensure that they are exactly what you asked for, and that you have a definite, confirmed booking. People have been caught out before, thinking that's what they have, when in fact you are on stand-by.

2: Check with the airline their baggage requirements/allowances in advance. Number of items allowed, weight, size, etc. Tag all your bags correctly with name and destination details. It's best to put a label with your home address details inside your case to avoid opportunist thieves getting them and robbing your house while you are away.

Baggage is frequently opened on a random basis by airport security. Which is why we are often told not to lock them, as if they are locked they will open them by force anyway.

To avoid this if you really feel you have to lock your luggage it is now possible by purchasing and using a TSA (travel sentry administration) lock. These are quality combination locks and will secure your baggage. However they can also be unlocked and re-locked by US airport staff using one of the special TSA keys that they all now have. Just key in "TSA locks" into your search engine and you will find one to suit you. They are not expensive, especially when you consider the cost of new luggage!

3: Pack all your essential items, such as travel documents, passport, medication, etc. into your carry-on bag. Maybe a few items of clothing. That way if your luggage is misplaced you won't be completely screwed.

4: Do make sure to double check what you are and are not allowed to take on board, and follow the rules totally. Don't carry any prohibited items on board (or attempt to that is). Put them in your baggage that is to be checked in.

5: Make sure that all electronic items are fully charged and are within the rules applicable for that airline. Some airlines will now allow the use of mobile phones in flight. Others don't, so check first.

6: Always make sure that you have on your person a valid, acceptable, form of valid photo ID when you go to the airport. This can save you a lot of hassle. Make sure that you have all your documentation to hand, including those tickets.

7: If you are taking your car don't rely on there being a space when you turn up. Pre-book your airport parking, whether you are using the airport parking or an independent. You'd be amazed how many people don't do this and sometimes miss their flight as a result. Pre-booking is also often cheaper, with deals to be had.

8: Always double check with the airline/airport the schedule for your flight before leaving home. Things do change, don't take anything for granted. Give yourself plenty of time, much better to have an extra hour or two at the airport for browsing than miss your plane.

Follow these few simple guidelines and you won't go far wrong. Enjoy your flight!