From Thanksgiving to New Year (and on into Bowl Season), airports – and planes – are always at capacity. And while we all know to give ourselves a little extra time during the travel industry’s busiest season, there are a handful of other things you can do that will make getting through security and to your destination a snap.

1. DO NOT ignore the rules of the TSA. Pack your toiletries appropriately (Read my previous post for more information on TSA carry on regulations), remove your shoes before you go through security and pull your laptop out of your bag before you get to the scanner.
2. Make sure your carry-on luggage isn’t too big to stow on the plane. (To be sure, look for bags like the Heys 20-inch bag, which clearly states that it’s “Designed to fit in overhead compartments of most major U.S. commercial airlines.”)
3. If you’re going to check bags, don’t overpack them. These days most airlines will allow you to check two bags up to 50lbs. each. Which means, that if you opt for just one checked bag and it weighs in at 51lbs, you may be charged a penalty. Moral of the story – it’s better to check two bags than one if you’re a perennial overpacker.
4. Whether you’re checking or carrying on, use luggage that’s easily recognizable. Not only will a polka dot or ice blue luggage set make your bag pop off the carousel, but it’ll also be easily recognizable in the sea of black bags in the overhead compartment.
5. Don’t wrap your gifts. If you’re traveling with presents, leave them unwrapped until you get to your destination. That’s because there’s a good chance the TSA screeners will want to inspect them – regardless of whether they’re in your checked or carry-on bags.
6. Do online check in and print your boarding passes before you get to the airport. If you’re checking bags at the airport, use curbside luggage check and skip the long lines at the ticket counter.
7. Take good novel, crossword puzzle book, your favorite MP3 player or pick up a few magazines to read at the airport/on your flight to help you fight off the inevitable boredom that comes with travel.

One or two last tips – don’t go to the airport hungry – because the crowds will only make you more irritable if your stomach is growling and your blood sugar is low. And DO NOT (either at the airport bar or on the plane) overindulge in a bit of holiday cheer – not only do you risk dehydration, but if you become unruly, you risk causing a scene and possibly getting booted off your flight.