So you’ve decided to take that vacation you’ve been dreaming about, or your business has sent you to a new location for a business opportunity. If you are travelling abroad, or even locally, and plan on flying, you may find the following advise helpful for your next trip.

Our number one advice would be not to rush at any point. You want to start your trip off relaxed and not panicked. Plan well ahead of time, the further ahead, the better. Try to plan your itinerary at least one week building up to your departure. Never start your planning on the actual day. By following this most important piece of advice, the rest of your trip should run smoothly, and you should feel calmer, and more relaxed during the entire trip.

Familiarise yourself with the airline you are traveling with. Visit their website to find out about your luggage requirements for stow away and on-board packing. Make sure you do not go over the baggage weight as this will cost you more when checking in and can just be frustrating at the best of times. Make sure you do not carry any forbidden items in your hand luggage, as this could become an embarrassing situation if you are asked to unpack your luggage in order to remove any unauthorised items from your baggage. You can generally find a list of these items on the carriers website.

Did you know that the biggest airport in the world (by property area) is the King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, Saudi Arabi? With the airport spanning almost 780km² (which is basically the size of New York City), could you imagine arriving here, getting lost and nobody speaks your language?

Have a look at the airport website you are departing from. Know where you need to go, along with your nearest entry points to where you need to be. This will save you from walking long distances to your departure gate. This goes for your connecting flights as well. It is stressful enough with connecting flights – never mind having to deal with delays and possible missed flights. Try not to be anxious, rather plan ahead. Know the distance you will have to cover to the gate. Check the airport you will be connecting at, for ways to get to your next gate without hassle, confusion or frustration. It is also very important when booking your flights, to ensure that your connecting flight allows you time to get to where you need to be. This should not be shorter than one and a half hours, preferable two hours. You do not want to have to run across an airport already full of people, trying to make your way to a gate that is on the other side of the airport. Alternatively, when booking in, ask to be seated near the door of the aeroplane to disembark before others.

Then you have the dreaded security checks. Again, try to arrive well in time, then sit and wait for turn. Listen for when your flight is announced (no headphones at this stage, as you may miss important announcements or the call to your flight). Always be respectful of fellow travellers, be well prepared to avoid holding up the queue. There is nothing worse than someone in front of you not being able to find their ticket or required documents to board the plane.

Keep your travel documents close at hand, all in one pouch or travel wallet. These should be kept in your backpack or handbag. Accessible immediately, preferably in an outside pocket, but at the same time, safe from being lost/stolen. Once you are past all the security and gates you can store it away safely for the duration of your flight.

Wear suitable clothes for your flight, this is not only convenient for you but necessary for this part of the process. Try not to wear laced up shoes or boots as these take time to remove. Try ones with zips or that are easy to step out of. If you are wearing a belt, first keep it in your hand luggage for quick and easy placement in the tray. You can put it on once you have cleared. Place your fluids in a see-through plastic bag or container so the security can see it all at first glance. Make sure your medication is also placed in a see-through bag. If necessary, have a doctor’s authorisation letter for prescription medication with your documents or in the plastic bag for quick and easy access, should this be required.

Always listen to the security and customs officials. Know what is going on around you. Never, never make jokes about situations, or items not allowed on board. This could cost you your seat on the plane, hold up others and could also delay the flight. Do not take your frustrations out on the gate officials. They are not involved with issues that cause delays. They only know what they have been told to keep passengers updated. They are merely the messengers and causing a scene over something neither of you can control is unpleasant for everyone around.

Be kind and courteous to fellow passengers and all airport staff. It makes for a more enjoyable experience for everyone. The best bit of advice when travelling, is to be prepared. Not everything goes according to plan 100% of the time, but being well-researched will better equipped you should something go wrong. Happy travelling!