Flying is a great gift to humanity. The ability to be able to travel anywhere in the country or world in only hours is nothing short of amazing. However, for many, flying can be a hassle, and not so pleasant. As a frequent flyer, countrywide and global, I have some tips and tricks that might be able to make anyone’s experience better.

1. Booking a flight

Booking a flight is the first step on your journey, and there is no easy way around this. The prices are usually set in stone and will not get any cheaper as time goes on. A good rule of thumb is simply to always book your flight far in advance. Booking a few weeks, or even a month in advance will maximize flight time options and help you get the cheapest one available. Because, let’s be honest, even if you have to choose between a 5 a.m. and 12 p.m. flight, if the earlier one is even $10 cheaper, that is the one you will choose.

2. Getting to the airport

In regards to flight times, make sure you are at the airport one hour before your flight. This might seem unnecessarily early to some, so gage it based off of the size of your airport. If you are flying out of Lubbock, which only has nine gates and one TSA security gate, you can show up closer to your flight time. However, if you are flying out of Houston or Austin, especially on a busy weekend like Labor Day weekend, you will have to fight the rush of hundreds of people also trying to get to their flight. This might push back the time you spend going through security to your gate and could make you late for your flight. In any case, I would suggest you get use to the one-hour before rule to play it safe.

3. TSA PreCheck

On the topic of security, everyone should sign up for TSA PreCheck. This allows you to skip through long lines, by going through a designated area where you aren’t required to do things like take off your shoes or belt, etc. Getting TSA PreCheck is a very simple process. All one has to do is look for their local TSA PreCheck office, schedule an appointment, go through a short interview, finger printing, and get your Traveler Number. Once TSA sends you your Traveler Number you will be able to enter it when booking your flight and be granted TSA PreCheck status. This can cut wait times in half, and save you time if you are running late for your flight.

4. Electronic Boarding Pass

For those of you that own an iPhone, have you taken advantage of the iPhone wallet? It’s another time saver. Download your ticket on to your iPhone wallet. This is a very simple thing to do, and will save you time, especially if you have no bags to check in. The app allows you to use any airlines. For example, if you are flying Southwest Airlines, take advantage of the SW Airlines app. You can check in for your flight and then it will give the option to see my boarding pass. Once you have your boarding information, there will be an option that says Download to apple wallet, pressing this will allow you to download your boarding pass to your apple wallet, so you will be able to scan your phone instead of having a physical boarding pass. Another cool thing about having your boarding pass on your apple wallet is that it will update in real time, so you can check it for any changes in times or gate information.

5. Middle Seat

This next tip might seem like a no brainer tip, but it is something that no one seems to do…stop searching and take the middle seat. So many people will walk all the way to the back of the plane in order to avoid the middle seat and then have to wait forever to get off the plane. My advice is to take the front row middle seats. There are several to choose from and you will be able to get off the plane quicker. Another benefit is that you might meet someone new, and if not just plug in your headphones and deal with the tight situation for the hour or two.

6. Headphones

The last, and I think most important flight tip to share, is to always, and I mean always, bring a pair of headphones with you. Even if you plan on sleeping on the flight, a good pair of noise canceling, or apple headphones will save you from crying babies, chatty Cathys, and just overall sound of jet engines blasting in your ears. Some airline apps will have free or $5 in-flight movies you can enjoy if the plane has Wi-Fi. Make sure you have all your basic necessities, clothes, laptop, etc., but never forget your headphones.

These tips will turn you into an expert flyer and will make you the envy of all other passengers. Or it could make flying just less of a hassle.