Travel can be fun and exciting, but it can also be stressful. Imagine embarking on a 10-hour flight with an infant, a teenager, and an elderly parent. While packing, you might be stressed about what to pack. Perhaps you are worried about checking your luggage and wondering what is in your luggage. When traveling by air, you must take steps to ensure your flight goes smoothly.

Flying can be an exciting adventure. All the new experiences and adventures that await you can also be a little overwhelming. If you’re a first-time flyer, you’re in for an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime experience. Flying for the first time can be nerve-racking. But there’s no need to fret about it. Passengers can prepare for their journeys with this handy checklist of tips. Now, before you take off on your first flight, there are some things you should know about flying.

Here are some essential tips to help first-time fliers have a more pleasant flight.

Check the airline’s luggage requirements.

Checked baggage fees have increased dramatically in the last few years, and with good reason. Airlines have to recoup the operating costs and depreciation of planes, so it makes sense for them to make as much money as possible with checked baggage fees. However, that also means some air travelers take more checked bags than is necessary.

Pack essentials

Packing for a trip away from home is always a challenge. You have to pack for your flights and hotel stays, as well as your family’s needs while you’re away. For optimal comfort, fly with as little as possible. Don’t forget to pack your essential items, including a change of clothes, toiletries, medication, and a phone charger. For larger delicate items, it might be wise to ship them ahead of time or securely pack them in a production flight case by Packhorse or similar companies. This precaution ensures they remain intact and undamaged during transportation. When it comes to items like jewelry, exercise extra caution, as they are prone to damage while on the move.

Arrive at the airport two hours early

Whether traveling for business or pleasure, getting to the airport two hours early can be the difference between a stressful and smooth arrival. But, while most of us may be familiar with the need to arrive early, many of us may not know why. It’s because airports are confusing places. Huge metal buildings house terminals, gates, and runways, all at a number of different levels. On top of all this, there are hundreds of flights-all coming and going at different times-all within a small area.

Keep your ID handy

It’s inevitable that someday you’ll need to show identification to make a purchase or get into a bar or club. And in the age of smartphones, people keep their IDs with them all the time. But what would happen if your phone died or ran out of battery? It’s a good idea to keep a backup plan-an ID book-so that you’ll always have your ID, money, credit cards, and other important papers handy when you need them.

Wear easy-to-remove shoes

The shoes you put on in the morning can impact your whole day. We’re not necessarily talking about heels, though. Low-heeled shoes, comfortable slip-on, and sneakers each offer many benefits, including the ability to boost energy, improve posture, and reduce stress. When you wear shoes that offer these multiple benefits, you can avoid the need for foot pain that could result in an unproductive day.

If wearing “high heels” makes you cringe, consider switching to a pair of comfortable shoes. While it is almost impossible to avoid high heels completely, make a conscious effort to wear shoes that are easy to walk in and that are appropriate attire for the situation.

Respect other passengers’ space

When traveling by car, train, or plane, respecting other passengers’ space is important. Many people think that it’s their constitutional right to move cars or trains out of the way whenever they feel like it. However, there are laws against doing this. By law, trains and cars are meant only to transport passengers, which means you have to follow all the rules.

Have a backup plan ready

Accidents and emergencies happen, and sometimes the best-laid plans go awry. When things don’t go your way, make sure you have an emergency backup plan ready to go. If you are driving and find yourself stuck on the side of the road, have a plan. Have an escape plan if you are traveling and your flight is canceled. If you have children, make sure you have an emergency plan for them. Your plan should involve several backup plans, including a backup location in an emergency.

Flying for the first time is a great new adventure. You need to know things before flying, but once you do, you will be surprised by how easy it is. You won’t be nervous or scared.