Being from California, there is only 1 way I can go from my home in California to get back to school in one day... to fly over five to ten hours, waiting at airports and being in air. But, after two years of doing this I figured out the tips and tricks of flying and airports.

1. TSA might be annoying but…
   1. You might want to actually listen to them so yeah. Take out your 3oz liquids, laptop, and anything on you before you reach the scanners so that you can get out fast.
2. Airport/ Airline Food can be expensive
   1. Something that some people do not realize is you can actually take food into the airport. It just cannot be any liquids and stuff like that. Just make sure to keep it wrapped and if you decide to take it on the airplane, make sure it is not a smelly type of food, like tuna.
3. Never trust airplane water
   1. Unless it comes from a water bottle, do not trust the water. With airport water, try at your own risk.
4. Be nice to your flight attendants
   1. You never know, being nice might get you a whole can of soda or refills of water, which you will need to stay hydrated.
5. Gate Checking bags is now your new best friend.
   1. Literally I have been doing this ever since I started flying regularly. Since there is always limited overhead space the gate agents will announce that people volunteer to check in their carry on bags. Since I only fly with carry ons I gladly do so because a) it’s free and b) I do not have to worry about my luggage until I get to my final destination.
6. Remember number 2?
   1. Okay, so you did not bring any food with you or you need something to eat so you have to buy food at the airport. Do not worry about prices because here is the situation: If you have the time (which you will if you plan your flights the way you should) shop around comparing the prices of items because, fun fact, not all stores who sell the exact same products sell them at the same price. At one store I went to bottled water was $3.25 but at a 7/11 store (yeah a 7/11 in an airport, who knew) bottled water was $2.50, which is a lot cheaper than getting a 3 buck bottle.
7. Do not be scared sheep
   1. Something that always gets me is when boarding the plane starts, people start to crowd the place they need to go. It is already confusing with this whole boarding groups thing but there is no need to crowd when you are all going to be on the same plane anyways. The only reason you may have to crowd is that you have something to put over head that is not a suitcase.
8. What is with the hold up?
   1. With that being said make sure you have all your items before you put your items in the overhead bins. If you decide to take out stuff right as you get to your seat, that line behind you gets more and more crowded. Also, if somebody is struggling with their carry on..HELP THEM. It is not that hard. Just help them put their things up so everyone can sit down in their seats. At landing/exiting the plane please back rows, wait your turn. Do not crowd, as it just makes a mess for everyone.

In the end, just relax and enjoy traveling across the state to go to school or back home.