If you’re one of those people, the best advice I can give you is plan ahead, think ahead and look ahead. Most airports of any size maintain a Web site(RDU’s is www.rdu.com) that is full of information, including easy to understand maps, parking locations and rates of charge, services available, nonstop flight destinations and so on. There are other travel Web sites that can be helpful in planning your trip.

A question many infrequent travelers ask is “how soon before my flight is scheduled to leave do I need to get to the airport?” There isn’t a standard or an easy answer. If your flight is leaving in the early morning, it is likely that the airplane spent the previous night here and is beginning its day’s operation with that flight. Thus, the probability of it departing on schedule is very high. However, many flights depart during that period, thereby creating a lot of congestion and extending the waiting time to be screened. While it’s comforting to expect the flight to be operating on time, this also means you had better allow extra time to complete all of the steps to be ready to board on time. The first call for boarding usually is about 30 minutes prior to scheduled departure.

If you can check in online (not more than 24 hours before flight time) or use one of the kiosks at the airport to check in and get your boarding pass and bag tags printed, you usually can avoid standing in line at the ticket counter and save time. If you park in the parking garage near the terminals rather than in a park and ride or off-airport lot or you have someone drop you off at the terminal, you can save more time since you won’t have to ride a shuttle bus. If you’re not traveling on one of the heavy travel days (which are dependent upon the day on which a holiday falls), there will be fewer travelers and less congestion. But if there is bad weather, particularly in any of the major metropolitan centers of the eastern U.S., you can expect many flights to be delayed.

During holiday travel periods, we encourage passengers to arrive at the airport two hours before their scheduled flight time. This should give you plenty of time to park, navigate security and prepare for your flight. Bring a book or magazine to read, a video game to play or a hand held device on which to work and enjoy the extra time if you have it. Also, browse the airport’s concessions as they offer a variety of goods including new and used books, magazines, sports and men’s and women’s apparel, gifts for all seasons and many other items.

Remember, if you’re carrying liquids and/or gels in your hand luggage, none can be in a container of more than three ounces and all must fit in a one-quart, zip-top plastic bag. The bag must be taken out of the luggage and placed in the bin to go through the X-ray device. Also, remember that you will be asked to remove your shoes and put them in a bin as well. If you don’t want to walk on the floor, wear socks or bring paper slippers with you.

Traveling by air during the holidays can be a great experience if you’re well prepared and take things in stride. Remember that the airlines want to get you to your final destination on time just as much as you want to get there. Have a wonderful and safe trip and enjoy the holidays; there’s no better time of the year.