Avoid Terminal Stress

If you’ve ever flown before, you know what you’re in for: long lines, massive delays, lost luggage, screaming children -- and that’s just your ride to the airport.

Although many situations are simply out of your control, you can even out potential bumps and make your experience go a bit smoother with these 11 tips.

1. Minimize delays.

If you can help it, fly in the morning before the airport gets bogged down with a day’s worth of delays and problems. And if you cannot take a direct flight, try to arrange your connecting flight through a hub less likely to experience weather delays -- for example, Dallas-Fort Worth instead of Chicago.

2. Pack smart.

With most major airlines charging you extra to check bags now, be mindful of how much you pack. And when packing your luggage and carry-on bag, stay on top of the latest rules by checking www.tsa.gov/travelers before you fly.

Passengers, for example, are allowed to bring liquids, gels and aerosols in their carry-on bag, but the containers must be 3 ounces or less, and all must be carried in a single quart-sized zip-top plastic bag. You can bring prescription medications and baby formula in excess of 3 ounces, but they are subject to further inspection.

If your traveling out of the country -- even to Mexico or Canada -- you need to bring a passport to get back in the U.S. And please remember not to pack your wallet, keys or cell phone in your checked luggage -- trust us.

3. Reserve a parking spot.

Long-term parking lots can fill up quickly, so make reservations as soon as possible. Planning ahead also gives you time to search online for coupons and promotions. Check out LongTermParking.com for discounts.

4. Arrive early.

Airlines are notorious for overbooking. The earlier you check-in and get your boarding pass, the less likely you are to get bumped from your flight. Plus, arriving early will give you time to navigate the parking lot and make your way through crowded security checkpoints.

5. Bypass the check-in line.

Most major airlines have self-check-in kiosks, which, from our experience, rarely have a line. If you have purchased a ticket online, you can use a self-service machine at the airport to verify your ID (bring the credit card you used to book the tickets), check in, get a seat assignment and print a boarding pass. And many airlines even have a live attendant on-hand to assist you in checking luggage.

We’re also fans of checking bags at the curb with the skycap. But you’ll have to pay extra -- typically $2 to $5 per bag. Kiosks are free. Now if only there was a way to bypass the mile-long security line ...

6. Breeze through security.

Sorry, you can’t skip this line altogether, but you can keep things moving and make sure you don’t get hung up here by being prepared. Before you reach the front of the line, take off your coat and shoes. Remove children from strollers and carriers. And if the security checkpoint will cut you off from airport shops and eateries, make sure you have all the sustenance you need so you won’t have to go through the line again.

7. Know the magic numbers.

In case of a cancelled flight, make sure you have the airline’s 800-number handy -- better yet, program it into your phone ahead of time. While you’re standing in the re-ticketing line, you might get through to a representative faster on the phone.

It’s also a good idea to have the contact information for your ride home -- whether a friend or relative, shuttle service or car rental -- to keep them informed of your estimated time of arrival.

8. Don’t pre-board with kids.

Traveling with tots? If the airline allows families with small children to board first, don’t do it! That just means you have to keep your children quiet, entertained and happy strapped into an uncomfortable seat on a cramped airplane even longer. Give your little one as much time as possible to get his or her wiggles out before getting on board. Not only will you save a sliver of your sanity, but your fellow passengers will thank you as well. Get more survival tips for traveling with tots.

9. Bring plenty of entertainment.

Layovers, delays, cancellations -- you’ll probably have plenty of time to kill at the airport, so plan accordingly. Just make sure your source of entertainment fits easily into your carry-on.

Bring a good book, your latest issue of Kiplinger’s magazine, your MP3 player, a portable DVD player or a laptop computer for diversion. If you’re traveling with someone, bring a deck of cards or Trivial Pursuit questions to occupy your time. Think of it as time to relax, not to stress out. After all, how often do you get several hours to yourself? And speaking of ways to unwind...

10. Check into an airport spa.

Instead of killing time at the newsstand or foraging through the overpriced food court, how about getting a head rub, foot rub, full-body massage, manicure, pedicure or facial? Airport spas are popping up nationwide and could be just the ticket to relieve your travel stress. Jetsetter Spa, Oasis Day Spa, Massage Bar and XpresSpa are a few airport spas you’ll find in Boston, Dallas, Nashville, New York, Philadelphia, Raleigh, Sacramento and Seattle, among other locations.

10. Look beyond yourself.

Cheesy as it sounds, you’ll no doubt brighten your flying experience by looking for ways to help frazzled travelers wherever you can.

All contents copyright 2008 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc.