Consider purchasing travel insurance to cover you in the event you lose your money or travel documents, become ill or have an accident, or if there's a problem with your flights or the airline on which you're traveling. If you don't travel frequently, single trip coverage is available form most travel insurance companies.
Book any car rental or hotel accommodation before you leave. It's likely to be cheaper if you book in advance. It's also a good idea to have the contact details of the nearest U.S. embassy if you're flying internationally.
Plan your route to the airport to ensure you get there about two hours before the scheduled departure time of your flight. Consider what time of day you'll be traveling and factor in any extra time needed to allow for traffic.
Contact your airline the day before you're due to travel to make sure your flight is still scheduled to leave and there are no problems at your destination airport. A follow-up call earlier in the day of travel to reconfirm the flight is on time is advisable as well.
Ensure you have your ticket, or your booking reference number (sometimes called a record locator number) if you're using a paperless ticket, and the necessary identification to board your flight before leaving for the airport. If you're flying domestically, you'll need a passport or a state-approved photo ID card. If you're traveling outside the U.S., you'll need a passport valid for at least six months past the date of your return. Also make sure you have any money or credit cards you'll need when abroad.
Double-check that your luggage doesn't exceed your carrier's allowance if you don't want to pay excess baggage fees.
Present yourself at the check-in desk to check any luggage and collect your boarding pass.
Proceed through airport security and keep an eye on the departure board to see from which gate your flight will depart.
Proceed to your flight's gate as soon as it's announced and have your boarding pass and ID ready for inspection.
On the return part of your journey, prepare as you did for your departure, beginning with ensuring you have your ticketing information, travel documents and assurances from the airline that your flight is still leaving as scheduled.
