Flying can often be stress-inducing for even the most experienced travelers. Aerophobia, or fear of flying, is one factor, but another has to do with the nerve-wracking aspect of running all over airports, and learning where everything is, all on a tight schedule. A result, I have compiled a list of tips and tricks as to help navigate the reader through the airport as smoothly as possible.

1. Wear as little jewelry as possible

Security is going to ask you to take off your accessories, shoes, and even request removing things from your pockets so do yourself (and everyone else in line) a favor and skip the non-essential wardrobe items. With trying to pull out any and all electronic devices, the last thing you need is to be flustered.

2. Carry a spare plastic bag

You never know if you'll need it for security, or to transport liquids and some airports may charge you when they make you purchase one in order to get through the checkpoint.

3. Look before you leave

A lot of airport time is dead time. The time after clearing security, before boarding, are often spent at restaurants, coffee shops, or bars. During this time, while it's important to relax, it's also important to keep track of all your items, travel documents, and even gate location. I have given myself an appropriate amount of time to get to a gate, only to find out that gate had changed on me. Luckily the new gate wasn't too far away, but airports don't often announce those kinds of changes so it's up to the responsibility of the passenger.

4. Charge your phone every chance you get

Preferably, in the airport while you are waiting for your flight. Whether the flight has a charging port can be unpredictable, and it can be difficult to know when you are going to have electricity again, so charge if and when you can.

5. Bring an empty water bottle

Save money and stay hydrated in the air all at once. Fill up your bottle once you get through security, and you can keep filling it up on the flight, as opposed to be only nourished and hydrated when the food trolley comes around.

Above everything else, relax. You'll be safely at your destination in a few hours, and the most hectic part is over once you're in the air. Have a great flight!