Let’s face it; going by plane isn’t fun anymore.

Not too long ago flying was a special event. Passengers dressed up before getting on a plane. The airline staff treated you as a special customer. They made efforts to make your flight more comfortable, more enjoyable.

This is all gone now. As we are herded through passenger check-in, then through passport control (if it is an international flight), then through security checks, and then to the terminal waiting area, by the time we get on the plane, we are completely disillusioned by the whole prospect of going on airplanes.

Even before the day of the flight, there is the process of making reservations and purchasing tickets. And the pain is sharp when you discover how much it costs to fly.

Flying has become a necessary evil instead of the special event it used to be.

Nevertheless, there are ways to make the best of going on airplanes: from getting cheap flights and discounts on airline tickets, to getting through security smoothly, to making yourself comfortable while on the flight. And it all comes down to pre-flight preparation.

Getting Cheap Flights

While it may be convenient to call a travel agent and ask them to book a flight, you will probably save money by booking the flight yourself on the internet. Online travel consolidators make it very easy to find flights from any origin to any destination.

In addition travel consolidators on the internet offer options to travel in economy or business class or first class. And some airlines that work with the consolidators offer advanced seat selection.

The main advantage to using online travel consolidators is that they get discounted fares for many flights. Some even offer a lowest fare guarantee.

Booking your air reservations online usually results in an e-ticket. You should either print the e-ticket out or at least write the information down. The confirmation number and ticket number will be used by the airline when you check in. You should also make note of your flight numbers and flight times.

Checking In

This is the worst part of flights due to security issues. It may take longer to get through check in procedures than it takes to fly to your destination.

Start with packing. Be aware of what you are allowed to check through, and what you are allowed to carry on board the aircraft. Pack your bags neatly so that if security tells you to open them, you won’t be too embarrassed. In addition, a neatly packed bag makes it easier to see that there is nothing illegal in your bag.

With your carry on bag(s), avoid carrying anything that might trip a metal detector. Do not carry scissors or knives of any kind in your carry on. Avoid carrying liquids, too. Airport security are a little hysterical about large bottles of cologne or deodorant.

As you can see, the key to a better flight experience is preparedness. When you go to check-in, your bags are packed neatly, you have your identity documents (passport, driver license, identity card) and flight information handy. Good preparation makes check-in go smoothly.

Dress for security:

Just as you have to prepare your carry-on bag to pass through security, you also need to prepare what you wear. Many travelers have caught on to the absurdity of the security measures, and they dress accordingly. They wear sandals, with or without socks, because you have to remove your shoes.

You also have to remove jackets or coats, and you have to remove your hat. You also have to remove your belt, especially if it contains metal. For this reason, it is better to wear pants that have a drawstring sewn in. Sweat pants are an example.

Even though you need to dress down for an easier security check, don’t be too conspicuous. You don’t want to wear the worst clothes in the world, and you don’t want to stand out in the way you dress. Security personnel may just make your life a little harder just because your clothes catch their eyes.

The Flight

So you got through check-in and security. That’s more than half the battle.

As with anything else, preparation is the key to having a comfortable flight. Pack things in your carry-on bag that will make the flight more enjoyable. Books to read, or games to play; if they fit in your carry-on, bring them.

Of course the clothes you wear should not only be for getting through security. They should be comfortable traveling by plane clothes, too. Remember, airplanes are air-conditioned, and the air temperature outside the plane is freezing. Skimpy beach ware would not be advised for a long flight.

One of the most important things when it comes to pre-flight preparation is seat selection. Experience will tell you if a window or an aisle seat is better for you. Just remember, on a long flight, you will want to stand once in a while. This is usually not too convenient from a window seat. But then again, if you are in the aisle, you will have bodies brushing across you as they walk up and down the aisle. And you may have to stand frequently to allow the window passenger to get out.

You probably should not eat or drink too much before or during a flight. Think about it. You’ll be mostly sitting, sometimes fot long hours, and that is generally a signal to your inner systems to take a rest and let things pile up. That is not a comfortable way to fly.

The Most Important Thing:

Pre-flight preparation may get you a cheap ticket, may prepare you for a rapid check-in and get you through security without embarrassment. Pre-flight planning may get you a good seat on the plane, and provide you with onboard amusements.

The most important thing to prepare is you. Your attitude can make the flight more enjoyable or more miserable. Anybody who has spent hours on planes, contemplating the discomforts, can tell you this. How you approach the whole ordeal is how the whole ordeal will treat you.

Be aware that there are inconveniences, and the airline personnel may not be able to solve every problem. Be aware that things go wrong sometimes, and baggage gets lost, and you miss your connection. Be aware of these things and then just relax.

Relax before, during, and after a flight. Get yourself into the mood that everything will be fine, even the airline personnel are nice, and smile. Now, a smile may not always work with some of the people you meet. But it will work on you. You will feel better, and most people will treat you better. And that is just about the best thing you can do to make your trip more enjoyable.