Planning the perfect road trip can be an overwhelming task — after all, there are so many potential routes that you can take. But what if you just let the weather dictate where you traveled to? According to Brian Brettschneider, a climate scientist in Anchorage, Alaska, it’s possible to plan a road trip where the average temperature hovers around a balmy 70 degrees Fahrenheit the entire time. So forget about stuffing your suitcase with both bulky winter jackets and flip-flops to prepare for every kind of weather — all you’ll need is a light, comfortable outfit if you follow this guide. Discover the U.S. road trips that you can take to almost guarantee perfect weather the entire route. (Just be sure to follow these road trip safety tips along the way.)

The Coastal Route

In 2015, Brettschneider calculated a series of perfect road trip routes based on daily normal high temperatures across the country. In 2023, he released updated routes based on new climate data provided by the National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI). Brettschneider plotted out three, year-long road trip routes. Though they begin in January and go all the way through December, there’s no requirement to commit to the entire year — you can hop along the route for as long as you like, depending on where you are in the country and what time of year it is. 

First up is the Coastal Route, which takes travelers all the way from Florida, up along the Eastern Seaboard, and then counterclockwise over to the Pacific Northwest, before finally heading south toward San Diego. This entire route covers a total driving distance of 7,468 miles. 

The journey begins in January with a brief 151-mile-long excursion from Tampa, Florida, to nearby Orlando. In February, you’ll drive just 81 miles to Jacksonville, staying in Florida the entire time. March is where the road trip picks up, as you’ll drive 341 miles north through Georgia and South Carolina before crossing over the border into North Carolina.

As springtime blossoms, the route continues for 447 miles up to Philadelphia in April, followed by a 300-mile trek up to Boston, Massachusetts, in May. June is when things accelerate fast: Start by heading to Buffalo, New York, drop down along the Great Lakes to Cleveland, Ohio, then make your way to Detroit, Michigan. Once in Michigan, head up toward the Upper Peninsula and then cut across several states over to north-central Montana, for a total of 2,388 miles.

Amid the sweltering heat of July, you’ll continue toward the cooler Pacific Northwest for 965 miles, taking you through the remainder of Montana, through Idaho, and then to Seattle, Washington. In August, you’ll head down the Pacific coast toward Newport, Oregon, spanning a distance of 289 miles. September’s total road trip distance is 962 miles — during which you’ll cut back across Oregon, through southern Idaho, and down to southern Utah.

In October, drive 546 miles down through Utah, briefly cut into Arizona, then head over to Albuquerque, New Mexico. In November, begin your 467-mile trek by cutting back westward on Interstate 40 toward Flagstaff, Arizona, before heading to Phoenix to end the month. Finally, spend December driving 531 miles from Phoenix over to Los Angeles, before driving down the coast to end your journey in San Diego.

The Interior Route

The Interior Route may not offer the same scenic ocean views as the Coastal Route, but the weather should be just as pleasant along the 7,064-mile trek. Your road trip will begin in Bronxville, Texas, as you spend January driving 140 miles over to Corpus Christi. In February, head 197 miles northeast toward Houston. In March, continue toward Dallas and then catch Interstate 35 up to Oklahoma City, where you’ll finish 408 miles of driving.

As the weather begins to warm in the spring, spend April driving 343 miles across Kansas before ending up in Kansas City. Then, in May, you’ll drive 765 miles through Missouri, Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin, before ending the month in Minneapolis. As June comes around, you’ll drive north from Minneapolis to Duluth before cutting east toward central Montana — 923 of these miles will be identical to the Coastal Route.

As you’ve reached July, you’ll beat the heat during your 1,255-mile trip during the month. Begin by heading toward Butte, Montana, then pass through the stunning Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. Continue on toward northwestern Colorado, before heading back up to south-central Wyoming where the temperatures aren’t so hot. You’ll end the summer by driving 384 miles in August through Wyoming and back into southern Montana. 

In September, make your way out of Montana toward the southwestern corner of North Dakota before dipping down to northwestern Nebraska, covering a total driving distance of 533 miles. In October, your journey begins with a 1,047-mile drive toward northern Texas, where temperatures have finally begun to wane, before cutting over to Cloudcroft, New Mexico. Then, you’ll travel an additional 399 miles in November over to Phoenix, Arizona. Come December, you’ll end your trip with a 531-mile journey down to San Diego, just like the Coastal Route.

The Combined Route

If you’d like to do a little bit of both of the aforementioned routes, then consider embarking upon the Combined Route, an 8,466-mile-long route across the country. January and February will be identical to the Interior Route, taking you through various parts of Texas. Come March, you’ll head toward Little Rock, Arkansas, instead of toward Oklahoma City. In April, drive 1,128 miles through Memphis and Nashville, Tennessee, before finishing the month in Washington, D.C. From this point on, your journey will follow the same path as the Coastal Route.

The Route That Includes Canada and Alaska

Feeling really ambitious? Then this 13,909-mile-long journey through Canada, Alaska, and back is the route for you. 

Interestingly, this road trip begins where the others end: San Diego. Start off January by heading 357 miles along Interstate 8 from San Diego to Phoenix, Arizona, where you’ll finish off the month. In February, follow I-10 for 384 miles down to El Paso, Texas. Come March, you’ll cover 991 miles toward Wichita Falls, Texas, before ending up in western Oklahoma. 

In April, drive 1,328 miles through Arkansas, Tennessee, North Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia, before ending the month in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Then, in May, drive 1,440 miles toward central Pennsylvania, then back west through Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, and finally Minnesota.

June is where this route becomes particularly ambitious — you’ll drive 3,424 across the Canadian border and into Alaska. Begin by crossing the border at International Falls, Minnesota, then head up toward Longbow Lake, Ontario. Once in Canada, cut over through Winnipeg, Manitoba, and Edmonton, Alberta, before heading north toward the town of Dawson in the Yukon. To end June, cross over into Alaska before finishing the month in Fairbanks.

In July, you’ll begin a 1,735-mile trek by heading toward Anchorage before cutting back into Canada and ending the month in Prince George, British Columbia. You’ll finally return to the lower 48 in August, driving 643 miles over to Calgary, Alberta, before crossing the border back into Glacier National Park in Montana. 

The final leg of your road trip will begin in September, as you drive 1,056 miles through Montana, Idaho, and Utah, before crossing just over the Utah-Colorado border. Then, in October, drive 1,632 miles through Colorado, into northern New Mexico, then back north through Kansas, before winding up back in Little Rock Arkansas. 

Come November, you’ll drive 732 miles through Jackson, Mississippi, and Birmingham, Alabama, before ending up in Lake City, Florida. For the final leg of your epic road trip in December, you’ll finish the journey off with a 187-mile-long drive down to the sunny town of Daytona, Florida.

Looking for summer travel inspiration? We followed the trends to see where U.S. travelers are flocking to this summer. Based on data compiled from internet search activity, Google Flights has just released its list of the most popular vacation spots for 2024. The list takes into account the most frequently searched for destinations among U.S. residents for travel between June 1 and August 31. So, if you’re thinking about visiting one of these trending summer vacation hot spots, make sure to book your ticket ASAP — and discover the best things to do when you get there below.

5. New York, New York

The Big Apple is a popular vacation spot any time of year, and this summer is no exception, as it ranks fifth on the list of most popular vacation spots this summer. No matter if it’s your first or tenth visit, there are plenty of iconic landmarks worth checking out during your time in NYC, from the Statue of Liberty to the Empire State Building, Central Park, and Broadway. But the city is always evolving, and you’ll find surprises around every corner — including a few secret spots most tourists don’t know about. 

Plus, New York’s summer event calendar is stacked. The Governor’s Ball music festival, which returns to Queens from June 7 to 9, showcases over 60 artists from a variety of popular genres, with headliners including Post Malone and the Killers. In July, New York City’s Independence Day celebrations include the Macy’s 4th of July fireworks show along the East River. Show up early to get yourself a spot and witness one of the more spectacular fireworks performances anywhere in the world. In August, book a reservation at one of the city’s top eateries during Restaurant Week, which offers decadent prix fixe menus at affordable prices.

4. Rome, Italy

The “Eternal City” is magical any time of year, particularly if you know where to get off the beaten path. But for a particularly memorable dose of culture and history, consider visiting Rome in early June to participate in the Festa della Repubblica. This annual June 2 celebration commemorates when Italians voted upon a new government in the wake of World War II, establishing the Italian Republic. The event features an impressive military parade through the city streets, plus a flyover from the Frecce Tricolori — an acrobatic team of nine military aircraft which will leave a stream of red, white, and green smoke (for the colors of the Italian flag) across the skies above.

June is packed with other major events in Rome, such as the 30th anniversary of Roma Pride on June 15. There’s also the Caracalla Festival, which runs from June 3 to August 10, and features a variety of concerts and performances staged in front of 2,000-year-old ancient Roman walls. From July 26 to 28, check out the Rally di Roma Capitale — a stock car race that winds through the city streets past monuments such as the Coliseum. 

Then, on August 5, it’s the Madonna of the Snow event at Basilica di Santa Maria delle Never. This unique event pays tribute to a local legend of snowfall covering the city back in the summer of 358 CE. Since 1983, organizers have manufactured snowfall that’s released into the air at midnight, covering the area around the basilica in a majestic sheet of pristine white snow.

3. Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo is normally one of the most expensive cities on the planet, but as of 2024, the value of the Japanese yen against the U.S. dollar continues to be historically weak, making this summer a great time for U.S. travelers to visit. And if you’re a foodie, that also means great deals at the city’s 200 Michelin-starred restaurants — the most of any city in the world. 

If it’s your first time in Tokyo, make sure to stop by the observation decks of the Tokyo Skytree for panoramic views from nearly 1,500 feet high or explore the city’s many vibrant neighborhoods, such as Harajuku, and serene parks filled with historic temples. . 

But those are things you can do year-round, so what about summer-specific events? Consider a day trip to Fussa, a suburb west of Tokyo, to witness the Fussa Firefly Festival. This stunning light show occurs in mid-June, as organizers release 500 fireflies into the air to light up their skies with their natural beauty. Summertime also features two important religious festivals in the Shinto tradition — the Sanno Festival from June 7 to 17 and the Fukagawa Festival in mid-August, where people parade through Tokyo’s streets wearing traditional dress accompanied by music, floats, and performances.

2. Paris, France

It’s no wonder that Paris makes this list, given that the city is hosting perhaps the biggest event of the summer, the 2024 Olympics. The Parisian games mark the first time in exactly a century that Paris will play host to the Olympics, which are set to begin on July 26 and run through August 11. Many of the planned arenas are being built in the shadow of some of the city’s most notable landmarks, including a volleyball court located at the base of the Eiffel Tower. The legendary clay courts of Roland-Garros will not only play host to Olympic tennis, but also the French Open tournament, which is set to culminate on June 9.

Paris is expected to be packed with visitors during the Olympics, so perhaps you’d rather plan your trip during a less crowded time in the summer. Luckily, there are plenty of off-the-beaten-path landmarks to check out — from the striking abstract Louis Vuitton Foundation museum to the city’s quirky “Street Art Alley.” Paris’ iconic museums are also touting new exhibitions this summer. The Louvre takes a look at the works of Renaissance master Jan van Eyck (until June 17), and there’s a planned exhibit featuring antiquities from the ancient Olympics that runs for the duration of the summer.

1. London, England

Like Paris, sporting events take center stage in London, England, this summer. The season starts off in a major way across the pond with the UEFA Champions League final — one of the most prestigious events in professional football — at Wembley Stadium on June 1. A few days later, Major League Baseball makes its way to England for the 2024 London Series, marking the third year in a row that MLB games will be played at London Stadium. This year, the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies will compete on June 8 and 9 for international glory. There’s also the Wimbledon Tennis championship, which is set to take place on those iconic grass courts from July 1 to July 14.

But if sports aren’t your cup of tea, you’ll find plenty of other fascinating events and landmarks to explore — from iconic ones like Big Ben and the London Eye to many lesser-known gems. On June 8 and 9, the London Open Gardens festival celebrates its 25th year, opening up over 100 private green spaces throughout the city that are usually closed to the public. On July 15, Buckingham Palace will officially open for the summer, allowing guests to walk its hallowed halls and tour the palatial structure. Then, from August 25 to 26, the Notting Hill Carnival celebrates London’s rich Caribbean culture. The popular event often sees 50,000 performers take to the streets for dancing, steel drum music, and more memorable revelry.

Top Destination for Couples and Families – Turks and Caicos

Google also analyzed search data to determine the top vacation spots for couples, families, and solo travelers. The site determined that one destination was especially popular among couples and families alike: the Caribbean archipelago of Turks and Caicos. This tropical British territory is known for its crystalline waters and sandy beaches, making it ideal for everything from romantic excursions to family vacations. 

One of the most popular local activities involves taking a snorkeling cruise out to some of the colorful reefs located along the shore. If you’re lucky, you may also encounter a famous local resident named JoJo, an Atlantic bottlenose dolphin who loves to interact with humans. To learn more about the territory’s history, visit the Turks and Caicos National Museum, which is home to artifacts from the oldest European shipwreck anywhere in the Western Hemisphere, dating to the 1500s.

Top Destination for Solo Travelers – Bali, Indonesia

Backpackers have long traveled to this Indonesian island, and summer 2024 looks to continue that trend. If you visit, be sure to take a trip to the waterside village of Canggu, known for its epic surf culture off the coast of Echo Beach. Then venture over to nearby Ubud, where you can get up close and personal with 1,200 long-tailed macaques at the famed Monkey Forest, which acts as a sanctuary for these incredible creatures. 

It’s also worth visiting Munduk for its series of stunning waterfalls that you can bathe under. Munduk is home to a Hindu water temple located in the middle of Tamblingan Lake, where water levels rise and fall depending on rainfall. This temple is known as Ulun Danu Bratan, and is one of the most sacred and picturesque structures on the island.

Flight attendants aren’t just there to serve food and beverages — their comprehensive safety training and many hours of experience help to ensure that we all reach our destination safely. For the vast majority of flights, the journey passes without incident, but still, you may have noticed a few of the procedures and precautions that form part of their working routine — like when flight attendants sometimes sit on their hands during takeoff. Below, discover the reason why that happens and some of the other steps flight attendants take to keep passengers safe.

Why Do Flight Attendants Sit on Their Hands During Takeoff?

Flight attendants take their seats only after they’ve completed their final checks on passengers and secured the cabin. They pull down a jump seat and buckle up — and then they often sit on their hands. It is part of the brace position, which also includes ensuring feet are placed flat on the floor and the head is positioned so that it remains as steady as possible. These actions are designed to ensure that, in the event of an emergency, a flight attendant’s body would remain relatively rigid. (While this type of brace position is used at many airlines, other airlines have different procedures, such as placing hands on knees or crossing and folding the arms over the chest.)

This also means, should turbulence occur, there’s much less likelihood of the kind of injury that could be caused if their arm was suddenly flung into a bulkhead or seat. It’s good practice, as flight attendants need to be fully mobile to look after their passengers most effectively during an emergency. 

The Cabin Crew Must Know Specific Details About Each Aircraft Type

There are myriad types of aircraft passengers fly on, and they are all configured differently inside. So, it’s vital that flight attendants know each different cabin inside and out. (For the same reason, passengers should also read the safety card even if they fly frequently.) 

As well as undergoing extensive training, members of the cabin crew meet onboard as a team well before passengers join them for a briefing. This covers any points of note about the aircraft itself, such as the location of emergency exits (and how they open) as well as the seating configuration. The lead flight attendant or cabin manager will also pass on other relevant information, such as the expected weather during the flight which could potentially influence the amount of turbulence. 

Pre-Flight Checks of Emergency Equipment Are Also Carried Out

While the pilots are going through their pre-flight checks in the cockpit, each member of the cabin crew is tasked with their own checklist. This happens before every flight and includes completing an inventory of the emergency equipment on board to make sure it is stowed correctly, hasn’t been tampered with, and is in full working order. Some of this gear forms part of the aircraft itself — such as emergency exit signs and smoke detectors — while other equipment is portable.

Flight attendants will also test the public address system to make sure that it is operational and take a look through the plane to confirm items such as fire extinguishers, first-aid kits, defibrillators, and oxygen cylinders are located where they should be. It’s an important safety step, because if such equipment was needed during the flight, wasting even a small amount of time could have serious consequences. 

More Checks as Flight Attendants Welcome Passengers on Board

Even as members of the cabin crew welcome passengers on board, they perform other silent checks designed to keep us safe. Each flight attendant has been trained to look out for tiny details that might seem a little off. For example, are any passengers behaving in an unusual manner, or carrying hand luggage that looks suspicious? In addition, they will be looking at body language. Is someone noticeably scared to be on board? A nervous flier might need a little extra reassurance during takeoff, landing, or times when the flight might get a little bumpy. 

Even more importantly, flight attendants will scrutinize passengers’ behaviors to figure out if anyone trying to board has overdone it at the airport bar, as this could make them aggressive or unpredictable during the flight. Because of the implications for safety of all those on board, any passenger disturbances associated with alcohol during a flight are considered serious and must be reported to the FAA, but allowing an intoxicated person on the plane in the first place is also an offense. For flight attendants, it’s all part of the job to ensure each flight safely reaches its final destination. 

Before stepping on a plane, have you ever stopped to ponder why we always board from the left side? Perhaps if you’re a frequent flier, it’s become so instinctive that you rarely give it a second thought. But if we’ve piqued your curiosity, fasten your seatbelt and settle back in your chair while we take a look at the fascinating history behind airplane boarding.

Safety First

The primary driver behind the procedures and processes that underpin commercial flying is passenger safety. The aprons of airports are busy places, full of workers donning high-visibility uniforms, official lanyards, and headsets. To avoid unexpected collisions and potential injuries, this part of the airport remains mostly off-limits to those passing through, except at smaller airports where passengers board the plane from air stairs on the tarmac. At most larger airports, though, the use of jetways (also called air bridges) prevents the need for passengers to walk across the tarmac.

An Exercise in Logistics

Plenty has to happen to prepare a commercial plane for departure. A crew of cleaners has to ensure the cabin is tidy and sanitized, baggage handlers are tasked with taking care of suitcases, and the aircraft needs to be refueled for its onward journey. Scissor-lift trucks ensure meals provided by catering companies can be loaded through the service doors. To enable such operations to take place as quickly and smoothly as possible, it makes sense for everything to be kept separate from the passenger-facing side of the plane. So while cabin crew normally greet you on the left side of the aircraft, the logistical side of things is almost always taken care of from the right. 

Different Aircraft Configurations

On a number of commercial aircraft, such as on Boeing 737s or the Embraer E-jet family, the doors on opposite sides of the plane are actually different sizes. For instance, on an Embraer E-175 jet, the front passenger door measures 5 feet, 11.6 inches tall, while the service door on the opposite side is considerably shorter, at 4 feet, 5.1 inches. Their widths also differ: Passengers pass through an opening that’s 2 feet, 5.5 inches wide, while the other door measures 3 feet, 1 inch across. Each has been designed for a different purpose, and they aren’t interchangeable except in an emergency.

Taking a Cue From Sailing Traditions

Planes arrived long after boats were sailing people around the world. It’s no surprise then to find that they borrowed some of the seafaring terminology — words such as cockpit, bulkhead, rudder, and so on. Like airplanes, ships also have a port side and a starboard side. The port side was usually beside the dock from which passengers boarded because the starboard side traditionally held the steering oars used to control boats. Naturally, planes followed that convention. 

The Historical Precedent for Boarding on the Left

In the early days of commercial aviation, aircraft would typically taxi alongside the terminal, parking parallel to the building. The captain, who was seated in the left side of the cockpit, would have found it easier to judge the gap if it was on his side of the aircraft. This would ensure that there would always be sufficient wing clearance and that the doors would line up. As the number of flights handled by each airport grew, it became more efficient to reposition the jetways so that the planes parked perpendicular to the terminal instead. With space often at a premium, it was also logical to streamline operations so that each plane parked the same way.

Some Small Planes Are the Exception

Even in the 21st century, a standardized procedure for boarding on the left still hasn’t been fully achieved. On short hops between small, sometimes remote airfields, you might board on the right-hand side of the small aircraft that service these routes, as alternative forms of transport aren’t available or demand isn’t enough to make flying a larger plane financially viable. If you find yourself on one of these planes, be sure to take note, as it’s an exceedingly rare occurrence.  

As much as we love jetting off to new destinations, the reality is traveling long distances can be hard on your body. We might experience fatigue, stress, and even motion sickness, though most of us wouldn’t consider such effects serious enough to warrant staying home. And when you travel by airplane at high elevations for long periods of time, it’s no different. Want to make your next journey more comfortable? Start by learning about the science of what actually happens to our bodies on airplanes.

Dehydration

Air humidity on an airplane is lower than many of us are used to on the ground. A significant percentage of the air in the cabin is pulled in from outside. Such fresh air can have a humidity level of as little as 1%. Even though it’s mixed approximately 50:50 with recirculated air, which has a higher humidity, it still has a dehydrating effect on our bodies. This means you might experience a dry nose, dry skin, or dry lips. Low levels of relative humidity also contribute to a reduced sense of taste, so your regular Diet Coke might not taste the same at 30,000 feet.

So what can you do about the low humidity? First, if you have a choice, take a look at your plane. The latest-generation planes such as the Boeing 787 and the Airbus A350 are better equipped for humidity than older models. Drink plenty of water during the flight — it will also help control any bloating you may experience. Also consider using eye drops, a nasal spray, and good moisturizer. If you wear contact lenses, you might find it more comfortable to switch to glasses for the duration of your flight.

Pressure Imbalances

When a plane takes off or lands, you might experience discomfort in your ears. The condition is called ear barotrauma, and is the result of an imbalance in the air pressure in your middle ear and the air pressure in the airplane. The middle ear not only helps us to hear, but it’s also where you’ll find the opening of the eustachian tube. If the air pressure is greater than that of your middle ear, this tube is designed to open so that the pressure can be equalized.

But if you have a cold or blocked sinuses, this might not happen and you’ll feel pain when the pressure shifts during takeoff and landing. Babies are particularly susceptible as their eustachian tubes aren’t fully formed. In most cases, sucking a sweet, swallowing, or pinching your nose will alleviate the problem. In more serious cases, you’ll need to see your doctor if pain persists after you’ve disembarked.

Jet Lag

Jet lag occurs when our sleep patterns are disrupted when we fly across multiple time zones. Our bodies have built-in clocks, and our circadian rhythms help us sleep when it’s dark and be active during daylight hours. Long-haul flights can seriously mess with this routine. If, for instance, you fly from New York City to London and you disembark at Heathrow at 9 a.m., your body will still think it’s five hours earlier and crave the sleep it usually gets at 4 a.m.

There are a few strategies you can employ to reduce the effects of jet lag. One is trying to adjust to the new time zone as quickly as possible. Set an alarm to wake up at the appropriate time and make sure to eat at local meal times. Drinking water during your flight helps, as caffeine and alcohol can make jet lag worse. If planning a round-the-world trip, flying east to west is easier for your body to cope with than the other way around as you gain rather than lose time.

Deep Vein Thrombosis

Many travelers might find that they have puffy ankles or swollen feet for a short time after a long-haul flight. That’s because being immobile for a long time isn’t good for your body. Sitting still for extended periods — whether in the air, on a bus, or even at home — impacts certain functions, such as the speed of blood flow. When your blood flow slows down, blood clots can form, causing deep vein thrombosis, which, though rare, can have potentially life-threatening ramifications.

You can mitigate your risk by moving around the cabin at regular intervals and doing in-seat exercises, such as rotating your ankles or stretching out your legs. Often the airline’s in-flight magazine or entertainment system will have examples of a workout that you can do without getting up. Those who are particularly at risk of DVT can opt to wear compression socks to help reduce swelling.

Dulled Taste Buds

The pressurized cabins of modern airliners also weakens our sense of smell and our taste buds. An aircraft’s pressurization system draws air into the airplane cabin and pressurizes it to an altitude of 8,000 feet, which means the air at altitude is much drier than when on terra firma.

The lack of humidity — typically between 5% and 20% — combined with the lower air pressure, and even the constant background noise heard on a commercial flight, drastically alters how well we’re able to perceive flavors — sweet and salty ones in particular. Salt is perceived to be between 20% and 30% less intense and sugar 15% to 20% less intense, at high altitude, according to research conducted for Lufthansa by the Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics. As a result, the chefs who prepare in-flight meals typically add more seasoning to compensate for the poor conditions. In comparison, spicy, bitter, and sour flavors don’t lose quite as much flavor at high altitudes.

With hordes of travelers, long lines at check-in, and rising prices for just about everything, you might be wondering: How can I make my time at the airport more enjoyable? Of course, the simplest way to make your travel day smoother is to follow airport guidelines and rules, especially those designated by the TSA (or other international security agencies). But we all know there is much more to trouble-free air travel than simply following the rules. From the time you arrive at the ticket counter until you board your plane at the gate, here are the top six mistakes to avoid at the airport.

You Don’t Know the Check-In Cutoff Times

In general, airlines and airports alike recommend arriving at least two hours before the departure of a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight. While this might sound like too much time at some airports, having time to relax is decidedly better than sprinting through the airport to find your gate.

If you find yourself running behind schedule, though, it’s crucial to know the absolute latest time you can arrive and still make your flight. Most airlines have minimum check-in time requirements and checked baggage cutoff times, especially for international flights, and these are posted on the airline’s website. Delta Air Lines, for example, has a minimum check-in time of 40 to 45 minutes for domestic flights and one hour for international flights. Of note, the times may vary at some airports, so be sure to check the requirements carefully. Arriving later than this risks your ability to check-in or drop off your checked luggage, and you’ll likely have to pay a hefty sum to change to a later flight. 

If you still don’t want to get there too early, you can also use technology to gain a better sense of when you should ideally arrive. To see how crowded any U.S. airport might be during your date and time of travel (including estimated wait times and the busiest times of day at that airport), try using the MyTSA App.

You Arrive Too Early

It doesn’t just pose an inconvenience — it actually is possible to arrive too early for your flight, particularly if you plan to check bags. Many airports have limits to how early you can check a bag. Over a dozen U.S. airports — including heavily trafficked airports such as Denver, Las Vegas, and Seattle — have a maximum bag check time of four hours before flight departure, and most U.S. airports have a six-hour maximum limit. This means that if you attempt to give airline agents your bags more than four hours before your flight departs, they will deny you and you will have to wait at the ticket counter or bag drop until the four-hour mark.

You Check in for Your Flight in Person

Avoid lengthy lines at the ticket counter by checking in online up to 24 hours before your flight (for most airlines). This way, you’ll already have your boarding pass on your phone, or you can print it at home before you leave and you can head straight to the security line at the airport, as long as you don’t have bags to check. Simply log in to the airline via the website or mobile app and follow the check-in prompts. 

If you are traveling with checked luggage, you will need to take it to the luggage drop-off area by the ticket counter. Fortunately, in most airports, there are separate lines for bag drop-off when you’ve already checked in online, and they usually move much faster than the ticket counter lines. This also keeps regular ticket counters open for passengers with special requests, travel issues, and other scenarios that require an agent’s help. Remember: Online check-in closes 45 to 90 minutes before departure (depending on the airline). 

You Wander Too Far From Your Gate

Delays and gate changes can happen at any time, so stick close enough to the gate to hear important announcements about your flight. In 2023, an estimated 78% of domestic flights arrived on time, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. This means that nearly one-quarter of flights experienced delays due to maintenance, security, weather, technological issues, and other factors. If you’re too far away from your gate, you might get the memo too late — and your gate change, delay, or cancellation can cause even more headaches and, possibly, a missed flight. 

Boarding too late is also a concern, even if you stay near your gate. On domestic flights, most boarding ends 15 to 20 minutes before departure time (and even longer before an international flight). If you’re not at the gate by the boarding cutoff time, your seat can be reassigned to someone on standby. 

Aside from the departure monitors inside the airport, downloading the airline’s app is an excellent way to stay informed and ensure you are at your gate on time. Opt-in for real-time text notifications about your flight if you plan on waiting in an airport lounge or another location further away from the gate. Other apps, such as FlightAware, provide similar services.

You Purchase Bottled Water

It’s not just your imagination: Airport prices are sky-high, typically 10% to 15% higher than street prices. You can easily avoid paying a premium for bottled water by taking your own empty water bottle with you and filling it up for free at drinking fountains. You might also opt for a collapsible water bottle that takes up less room in your carry-on. Tap has refillable water stations at many major U.S. airports, offering passengers free filtered water in seconds. Another option is to ask for a water cup when purchasing food from one of the airport’s restaurants or fast-food stands. 

You Leave Your Luggage Unattended

Not only are you at risk for pickpocketing and theft, but leaving luggage unattended can trigger a security alert in the airport. Travelers worldwide are encouraged to report unattended luggage to security. If you leave your carry-on at the gate while you visit a gift shop or use the restroom, another traveler or airport staff might inform security. Airport officials confiscate your bag, and you may be subject to further security screenings. If airport staff cannot locate you to return your bag, it will be sent to lost and found after it is deemed safe by security — so the moral of the story is to always keep an eye on your belongings. 

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