Traveling can tend to be very stressful. It comes with its pros and cons but so does everything in life. When you are packing it can be frustrating trying to create outfits for days and packing enough but not too much. Also, don't forget about the weather because you do not want to pack for warm weather if it is about to be 30 degrees. Trust me..it is not fun. Here are a couple things to prepare for if you are planning on flying whether its normal for you or your first time.

1. Checking in Bags:

One thing to remember is that when flying you can only check in so many bags and carry on so many. I currently am on Southwest while writing this and you can bring 2 carry-ons and 2 check-in bags so 4 total. Usually the "carry-on" bags are a backpack and a purse.

Some planes have different requirements on how many bags can be checked in and took on the plane due to storage on the aircraft. Just remember if you do check in any bag while getting your boarding pass, it usually has to be either equal and/or less than 50 pounds (and don't worry they weigh it for you).

2. Boarding passes:

When you are checking your bags in at the airport they typically ask where you are headed and print out boarding passes for you. The boarding pass is VERY important to make sure you hold onto it throughout your trip. It tells you which gate you are going to be at, the time of your flight and where it is going.

Also it has your name and flight information on it. You will need this to get through security and to even board your plane (hints the boarding pass part). Now you can print them off at home or even save it to your wallet off the app once you check in.

3. Check-In:

To get better seats and a chance to choose a seat you would feel more comfortable in they give a check-in period. This usually opens 24 hours prior to your flight and is very simple to do. Obviously, you do not have to check in and can wait until you get to the airport but while flying southwest you would be in group C which is basically the last people to board and get the leftover seats.

Checking in does not cost anything and just guarantees a faster boarding position.

4. Security:

Once you checked in and received your boarding passes you usually head to security. Just know you sometimes have to take off your shoes and jacket so would recommend not wearing some very lacey shoes or 17 layers of clothes, they will be coming off. Security is nothing to freak out about its just a precaution but be warned they are very forceful on keeping the pace up and keeping everything moving.

There are people waiting and you will again need your boarding pass (which is why it is important to keep up with) and your license. This is how they know you have your boarding pass and that it is yours personally. You will put your carry-ons on a conveyer belt and it gets scanned making sure nothing in there is harmful.

5. Can nots on a flight/security:

While going through security you will see that they have signed with certain items that are not allowed further than the checkpoint. Such items are basically any type of weapon or that can be considered one. SO guns, pepper spray, knives, anything sharp is a no.

Drinks and like outside food also is not allowed through but do not worry they have places on the other side of security where you can receive these items.

6. Electronics

One major thing to ALWAYS remember when traveling is to keep all of your electronics charged and easily accessible. I usually put my laptop (if I am going to use it on the flight for homework or movies) in your carry on and fully charged. Your phone is usually always on you so make sure you fully charge it for your flight but also one thing that will come in handy is a portable charger. Sometimes if you watch movies of having layovers in other airports you want to still have a charged hone in different areas and be able to contact others. Planes usually have options for wifi so if you need to have wifi it costs money and usually is not so cheap.

7. People

No matter where you go in the world, there are people.. and then there are PEOPLE. And what I mean is in the airports the people are completely different than in the city or the halls of schools. People are either on business calls or so very polite. I have never met so many nice people as I do in the airports, but that isn't everyone. There are those people who are in bad moods and hate everyone, have no sense of humor, or just hate life in all. But one thing to know is people are people and will be how they so don't think they will be different just because of you're in an airport. They have service people throughout the airport to help if you are struggling and there are some pushy people but that's just human.

8. Time

When going to the airport and trying to get through the airport in a timely matter it can be frustrating. Just know around holidays or weekends it is the busiest time at airports for it is usually recommended to show up about 2 hours before your flight. I know it sounds crazy but trust me it is needed. Even if your flight it at 5 am or 10 pm it will be just as crazy as if it was in the middle of the day.

9. Ears

Sometimes peoples ears tend to hurt when flying because of the pressure. A couple things you can do to help or at least try to prevent it are very cheap and sometimes helpful. One thing I do is make sure I have headphones and music. For some reason, it helps my ears not hurt as bad. Get sugarfree chewing gum and chew it until it loses flavor. Another thing is to hold your nose and while your mouth is lost push like you are trying to breathe. This will sometimes pop your ears or you can do the usual yawning.

10. Turbulence

One thing to know is most flights have turbulence. This is when the plane hits "air bumps" and causes the plane to make little sudden drop feelings. Just know it is very normal. Sometimes the flight attendants will turn on the seatbelt light when they know or the pilots caution that there will be much turbulence and its just for safety. At times it could be one or two bumps, others it can be constant for a while but do not worry it is normal.