Air travel has made the world a much smaller place, made far-off destinations much more accessible and easy to reach, revolutionized the way people travel. Remarkably, commercial air travel is less than 100 years old. It’s true. Planes have only been carrying passengers to distant locations since the 1920s.

In the years since commercial air travel became the preferred method of going from one destination to another, it has been an easy and enjoyable experience, one that continued to improve as planes got bigger, better, faster and much more comfortable.

That all changed when the events of September 11, 2001 unfolded. While planes are still quite comfortable, the experience of flying has become much more difficult (for security reason, of course) and a lot more stressful. That stress can be alleviated if you take steps to overcome the causes of the stress. It’s really quite easy to do. For example:

Arrive at the airport early. Give yourself time to check your luggage, get your boarding pass and relax. If you get to the airport early, you’ll have time to stop for a bite to eat, perhaps buy a magazine or newspaper for the trip and approach your flight rested and ready to go.

Go through the security gate before your flight is announced.

You’ll avoid the tedious and stress-building wait that occurs when dozens of passengers approach the security gate – and scanner – at the same time. Passage through this security checkpoint can be incredibly tedious, time-consuming and stressful. This is the most difficult aspect of air travel since the unfortunate event of 9/11 occurred. So why submit yourself to stress when it is so easy to avoid? Get to this checkpoint early – before your fellow passengers – and you virtually assure yourself a stress-free and relaxed start to your trip.

Sleep, read or relax.Plane travel can be boring and stress can build if you keep thinking about how long you have been airborne. So, try not to think about it. Bring reading material on board with you, lose yourself in the book or magazine you’re reading. If you don’t enjoy reading, try sleeping. That’s not helping? Bring your portable mp3 player with you and enjoy the find selection of your favorite music. The point is this: if you occupy your mind, you will forget about the time.

Watch a movie.If your flight is long enough, you’ll be given the option to watch a first-run movie. The cost is modest and, more often than not, the film is entertaining. It will keep you absorbed and occupied and will eliminate nearly two hours from your flight.
Chat with your seat mate. You can make the time pass more quickly by socializing with the person sitting next to you. Times passes rapidly when good conversation takes place.

Air travel, even during these times of heightened security, doesn’t have to be stressful if you prepare for your trip in advance and do the things necessary to make your flight enjoyable.