1. The internet has wonderful maps of airports available. I have printed up copies and taken them along, making changing airplanes much easier. I have also looked at the lay-out of the planes to see where my seat was located.

2. When traveling by air in high risk areas, always request a window seat. If the flight is high-jacked, terrorists tend to hit the people sitting on the aisles as well as pull out people in aisle seats for mistreatment. It pays to be harder to get to!

3. Use a medium to large size leather backpack for my carry-on.

It allows you to have both hands free for handling luggage, tickets, boarding pass, etc. After  checking your luggage you can carry it by the handle. Always pack magazines, newspapers, and a paperback for the flight and any unexpected delays. It is also a very good idea to pack sandwiches and snacks - you never know when you might need them. After reading the magazines and newspaper and eating your snack, you have room for souvenirs or fragile purchases on the return flight.

4. When you claim your bag at the airport, check it over before you leave the bag claim area. Look for any new damage on the bag, and to be sure that it was not opened and something taken (airlines have time limits for when these can be reported, and they will need to see the damage before opening the claim for damage or pilferage). The baggage service desk for the airline is normally right in the claim area; this is also true for Customs arrivals. It is especially important to fill out the misplaced baggage information before leaving Customs, as Customs will have special forms that may help the baggage clear without your presence at the airport. If you have combination locks or keys for the baggage,  these should be left with the paperwork for your baggage - as it will prevent delays in getting your bag or possible bag damage from Customs opening the bag.

5. Chapped Lips? - BRING BLISTEX!! On the plane, this can be invaluable. If your flight is over 1 hour long, I strongly suggest you make this tiny tube of lip moisturizer a part of your carry-on bag. Almost nothing is worse than severe chapped lips in the very dry environment of the plane.

Even if your lips are not chapped when you take off, the dry recycled air will do the job quickly!

Blistex is tiny, and if you have dry elbows or heals, it can also be used as a skin moisturizer. It is shareable, as you can squeeze it on to fingers instead of lips, and in very desperate situations, it can be put on the face in small amounts to get rid of that dry, tight feeling. I hope every one heed this advice; as a veteran flyer, it is a small thing that can make a huge difference!

6. During airline check-in, especially for flights originating from airports outside the US, check the airline destination tag. If not, your luggage may end up in MNL (Manila) instead of MIA (Miami); DKR (Dakar, Senegal) instead of DAC (Dhaka, Bangladesh).

7. Dress Presentably for Upgrades - If interested in getting an upgrade (first class) you must be wearing clothes that are presentable. This means dress slacks for men and a button down shirt, no jeans or shorts allowed. Females should dress in smart casual or business attire.

This is for international travel - I'm sure a domestic flight would not be so strict.

8. Dry Air on the Plane - If the air gets too dry in the plane, wet some paper towels and breathe through the wet towels.

9. If you're planning to carry on your luggage, make sure that you get a seat in the rear of the plane when making your reservations. This avoids the panic of trying to find overhead space since you're among the first to board.

10. Chew gum as you are taking off. That way you can reduce the pressure in your ears.

11. When on a long flight remove your shoes and put on slippers. This will improve circulation in your feet.

12. When packing film and cameras, make sure to take them with you as a carry-on. The machines that are used to x-ray the luggage that goes under the plane could ruin your film. Just to be extra safe, take your camera and film out of your carry-on bag when you go through the security check - that machine can also ruin your film. The security workers should be happy to be of assistance.

13. Passenger and luggage check-in now takes longer due to more thorough security procedures and the elimination of curb-side check-in. For domestic flights, arrive at least two hours before departure - or three hours for an international flight, to allow more time and reduce the risk of missing a flight.

14. Carry identification. Many airlines will verify that the person checking in is the person to

whom the ticket was issued. Therefore, carry at least one government-issued photo I.D.

such as a drivers license or passport. A second photo I.D. is required at some airports.

15. Don't ever leave your luggage or carry-on items unattended, they could be stolen or be a

potential target for someone to sneak an illegal item on board the airplane. Also, luggage

that appears to be abandoned could look suspicious and be confiscated by airport

personnel.

16. Pack your own luggage so you will be able to answer questions about the contents. Airline personnel will asks if you packed you own luggage. If you say you did not, your belongings are subject to a search.

17. You will help to reduce time at the security check-in if you take only personal and carry-on items that are truly necessary for your flight or for your security. Also, laptop computers and other electronic devices must be hand checked by security personnel and may require additional time to clear security.

18. To avoid theft of your valuables, don't pack them in luggage that will be checked. Medication, cameras, eyeglasses, jewelry, home door keys, important documents and passports are items to carry on board with you.

19.To avoid dehydration on long flights, drink plenty of nonalcoholic beverages.