Ten tips for a worry-free experience

1. Before you leave the house check that everyone has their passports, airline tickets, visas and insurance policies. The same applies when leaving your holiday accommodation for your return journey!
    
2. Try and pack light – if you can manage to travel with only hand luggage, which for journeys of less than a week CAN be done, it will save you both time and money. But do check the airline’s hand luggage maximum sizes/weight as these vary considerably from airline to airline. Ensure that any electronic items that you are carrying in your hand luggage are fully charged. If you use medication, ensure that you carry a supply in your hand luggage. 
    
3. Weigh your luggage or book and pay for additional bags before your travel so that you’re not hit with a hefty charge at check-in.
    
4. If you’re driving to the airport check that there are no road works and always leave a little extra time if travelling at busy times of the year. If you’re using public transport check for engineering works – they’re often scheduled to take place on bank holidays and at weekends so as not to interfere with commuters journeys into work. Book your airport parking in advance; this can save you money. You may wish to consider travelling to the airport the day before; many hotels local to the airport offer a stay and park service and many airlines will allow you to check-in the night before your flight so you can head straight throught security to the departure gate the following day. You should also check-in online as this will save you time when you get to the airport.
    
5. There will be bureaux de changes at the airport, but their exchange rates are not very competitive, so try to remember to get your foreign currency before you travel.
    
6. Get ready for security checks. Some UK airports have now introduced new generation security scanners, which can allow you to carry up to two litres of liquids and let you keep electronic devices in your bag. However, this is not yet consistent across all airports or terminals, and many UK and overseas airports still follow the 100ml liquids rule. 
   
   Because of this, ABTA is advising to check the rules for the specific terminal you’re flying from, and be prepared to follow the rules that still apply in many places. Regardless, if instructed, you should ensure any liquids, including toothpastes, are in containers of up to 100ml and placed in one clear plastic bag, and be prepared to remove laptops and tablets from your bags. Some security may also require you to remove coats, jackets and belts. Doing these simple things will speed things up for you and everyone else in the queue.
   
   See our advice on new UK airport security scanners for more information.
    
7. If you’re travelling with small children bring along essential items such as nappies, wipes etc and to keep them entertained, bring a small selection of travel games, colouring books and crayons etc. 
    
8. Many people, particularly nervous flyers, will have some alcohol at the airport. Don’t overdo it as airlines are entitled to refuse to let you on board the plane if they think you're drunk.
    
9. And finally, if you’re one of the first on the plane don’t hog the overhead hand luggage lockers by putting hand bags and coats up there. The space will be needed by other people for their cases and it will only slow down take off for everyone on the flight.
    
10. All the above applies to your return journey also – in addition remember to ensure that you have sufficient funds for any departure taxes that may apply.