Traveling the skies has changed dramatically over the last decade. Between a struggling airline industry and heightened security at the airport, taking a flight no longer equates to a walk in the park. Follow along as we share some tips for airplane travel that will save you both time and money at the airport.

For anyone who travels frequently, the rules you learned for effectively navigating the airport most likely came the hard way, through much trial and error. But, with summer right around the corner, many people who haven't flown in awhile will be taking flights. If this rings true for you, pay close attention. We're going to speed up the learning curve.

Be Organized
From the moment you start planning your trip, you need to create a system of organizing tickets, receipts, itineraries, passports and the like. While it sounds like we're stating the obvious, you would be surprised at the amount of people who don't do this, as well as the time it wastes rummaging for these items once you're at the airport. If, by chance, things do not go as planned on your day of travel (i.e. flight delays or cancellations), organizing your documents will provide you quick access to necessary information.

Early Check In
Many airlines now allow you the ability to check-in early, even pick your seat, as much as 24 hours in advance of your plane flight. This process can be done via the airline's website, and in some cases by way of free applications that can be downloaded to your smart phone. If possible, take advantage of these options. Doing so buys you peace of mind, and possibly a lot of time.

Packing
Be sure to check your airline's restrictions for both carry-on and stowed baggage. For carry-on baggage most restrictions have to do with size. Simply put, you cannot bring anything into the airplane's cabin that is too large to fit in the overhead compartments.

Stowed baggage is a different story. While some airlines do not charge for the first couple bags you stow, most will have weight restrictions. In the case of airlines that do charge for stowed luggage, many will offer a price break for pre-paying online, as opposed to paying at the airport.

Be judicious when packing your bags. Keep in mind that most novice travelers have a tendency to over-pack, so really think this through. Take into account the amenities at your destination. If you have the ability to do laundry, or if you plan on shopping while on your trip, think about packing fewer clothes. The lighter your bags, the easier it is to move through the airports.

Consolidate items, placing them in the suitcase in the order they need to be used. Once your bags are packed, weigh them on a bathroom scale. If they are disproportionate in weight, or close to the weight limit, you may want to consider redistributing their contents. Make sure not to lock your bags, as you will be asked to remove any suitcase locks once you check in your bags at the airport.

In terms of packing your carry-on bag, there are some steadfast rules you absolutely need to know. Failure to follow these rules will result in time wasted while passing through the airport screener, and/or money wasted if you are instructed to dispose of any items.

The first rule you need to know is in regards to ANY liquids or gels you pack in your carry-on. They must be non-flammable and adhere to the 3-1-1 guidelines:

• Containers holding any liquid or gel must be no larger than three ounces.
• Containers must be placed in a one-quart size, clear sealable bag.
• Each flyer is allowed one such bag.

Any liquid or gel that does not conform into the above guidelines must be packed in a suitcase and stowed.

In addition to adhering to the 3-1-1 guidelines, we suggest you visit the TSA website for the list of items that are allowed, and not allowed, in either carry-on or stowed baggage.

Lastly, if you are pulled out of line, questioned, searched, or asked to dispose of any carry-on items by a TSA agent during the screening process, DO NOT ARGUE. Doing so can result in being kicked off the flight…or even arrested.

Dress Code
The clothes you wear to the airport can save you a lot of time while moving through lines.

Dress comfortably and weather appropriately, but forgo wearing any unnecessary accessories. Items such as belts, watches, wallets and jewelry will have to be removed when passing through airport screening.

The shoes you wear are important, as you will be asked to remove them as well. We suggest wearing loafers or any type of shoe that can be easily slipped off and on.

Lastly, before you leave for the airport double check your carry-on bag, ensuring that all items necessary for your flight are in order and properly packed. Finding out that you've neglected to bring something once you've arrived at the airport will undoubtedly lead to wasting time, money, or both.

Airport Arrival
The time you choose to arrive at the airport depends on the flight, the day of departure, and the airport you are leaving from. Before you even leave for the airport, however, it is important to confirm that your flight is on time, either by checking your airline's website or calling them directly. Failure to do so could lead to unnecessary time spent at the airport waiting for your plane to depart.

If you are taking a domestic flight and have checked in early via the Internet, you should arrive to the airport at least one hour before your flight. If you have not checked in, or if you are leaving from a busy airport, you will want to arrive ninety minutes to two hours before your departure time.

For flights overseas, do not underestimate the amount of time needed to check in. Start by checking the airline's website to see what they suggest, but figure on arriving between two and three hours prior to take off. We know this sounds like a lot of time, but lines at international terminals can be very long.

For either a domestic or international flight on a holiday, weekend, or during busy travel seasons, err on the side of arriving early.

Checking Bags
You have several options when it comes to checking bags. The first is utilizing the skycaps. Normally located just outside your airline's departure terminal, skycaps can check in your bags, and check you in as well. Skycap lines can vary in size, but many times they are much shorter than those inside the terminal. It's important to know that while most airlines offer free skycap check-in, a few do charge, usually a couple of dollars per bag. No matter if your airline charges for this service, it is customary to tip your skycap two dollars (or more) for every bag you check.

Your second choice for checking in your bags is via an agent at the ticketing counter inside the terminal. If the lines aren't too long, this is actually a very good option. Tipping is not necessary and in case there are any issues with your bags, ticket or flight, you are already standing in front of an agent who can deal with the problem.

In addition to the ticket agents, many airlines now have self-serve kiosks inside their terminals. These kiosks allow you to check-in, print boarding passes and check luggage, typically without waiting in long lines. While it does require you to interface with a computer touch screen, the directions are fairly simple and clear. A customer service representative is normally standing nearby to help with any issues, or baggage you need to check in.

Getting Bumped From a Flight
Airlines will oftentimes overbook their flights in order to prevent any seats from going empty. This practice can cause you to get bumped from a flight. So, if departing at a certain time is a priority, make sure you check in and arrive at your gate on the early side.

While the term sounds rather negative, getting "bumped" doesn't always have to be bad. In fact, it can sometimes result in money in your pocket. For information on this subject, be sure to watch the above Kiplinger video tip.

Lost Bags
If upon arrival at your destination or return home, you find that your bags have not arrived with you, go directly the baggage office located in most baggage claim areas. Be prepared to fill out some paper work. Also, make sure you ask the agent about the airline's policies for delivering your bags once they arrive, and compensation in case they are lost for good.

While we've touched on most of the major aspects of effectively navigating the airport, other issues may arise. Our best advice is to use common sense, err on the side of caution, and investigate the issue as much as possible BEFORE you get to the airport. Doing otherwise could cost you time and money.