Tips for smoother travel

There's no doubt air travelers have to negotiate numerous hurdles on their way to catch a flight these days, so it makes sense to do what you can to help the process go smoothly. Consider the following:

-- Be prepared. Make sure you have all necessary documents, such as ticket vouchers, government-issued photo ID and/or a passport. Dress comfortably, coolly and wear a minimum of metal. Before leaving for the airport, check online or via telephone to make sure your flight is on schedule.

-- Allow plenty of time to get to and through the airport. Try to reach the gate a minimum of 30 minutes before the flight's departure. This process can take a lot longer during peak travel days and hours.

-- Anticipate new luggage and carry-on rules. Pack accordingly. Having to rearrange your suitcase in front of total strangers is never a calming exercise.

-- Be aware of security rules for carry-on bags. Know that many things you might stow in a carry-on can trigger a closer inspection that will necessitate unpacking and require additional time.

-- Consider gate-checking your bag. If you're carrying on bags, be aware that storage space in the cabin may be limited and will require lifting bags in and out of the overhead compartment. Consider leaving your carry-on bag to be gate-checked in the departure lounge, which most carriers still do for free.

-- Keep yourself and family well-hydrated during flights.

-- Speak up if you feel ill at the airport. Likewise, inform a flight attendant if you're in the air. And remember, there are emergency call buttons in the bathrooms.

-- Most importantly, take a deep breath and relax. Although many journeys proceed according to schedule, some trips will tax your equanimity despite your best efforts, and, unfortunately, there's always the possibility that a flight will be canceled outright. Even in these extreme cases, stressing out is almost never an effective response.

(Pittsburgh Post-Gazette travel editor David Bear can be reached at dbear(at)post-gazette.com.)

(Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service, www.scrippsnews.com.)