Learn the current guidelines for acceptable and prohibited items for carry on luggage before you get to the airport. These guidelines change often. You can call the airline ahead of time to find out the current guidelines.
Gather all necessary documents ahead of time and keep them handy until you reach your destination. This includes your ticket, boarding pass, photo identification, passport and any other documents you have been advised to carry.
Prepare your carry on items. For example, bottles have to be 100mL or less, must be placed in a clear bag in your luggage and have to be declared to security. If you have a laptop computer, it must be taken out of the carrying case. To make it easier to find your computer after going through security, put a label with your name on it or a unique, brightly colored sticker.
Wear shoes that can be taken off quickly. Most people going through security will have to take off their shoes. Wearing shoes that are hard to take off will slow down the line. Sneakers and slip on shoes are good options. Boots and other shoes with a lot of lacing, buckles or snaps should be worn when you reach your destination instead of when you are going through the airport.
Use your space wisely. Airport waiting areas are often crowded. If this is the case when you are waiting for your flight, be considerate of the other people around you. For example, use only one seat. You can place your luggage near your feet or on your lap. If you see someone who is elderly, disabled, pregnant or with a very young child, consider giving up your seat if they are unable to find an empty seat.
Keep it quiet. Electronic devices make noise that can be irritating. Proper etiquette demands that you turn your cell phone on vibrate or set the volume as low as possible. Talk in a normal tone of voice. Nobody around you needs to hear your conversation. The same goes to portable game systems, personal radios and other electronic equipment. For most of these, headphones are available and should be used.
Remain calm. Delays will happen when you fly. It is important to stay calm and understanding if this happens to you. Getting irate or rude with airline staff or other passengers will probably cause you to be detained until you calm down.
