American Airlines' Top 10 Travel Tips for Summer

No. 5: Arrive early at the airport; avoid the lines. Think 60, 90, 120. Arrive 60 minutes before your flight if you are not checking any luggage, 90 minutes if you have luggage to check. For international flights, allow two hours. If you didn't check in online, you can go to the nearest AA Self-Service Check-In® machine to check in at the airport, make seat selections and print your boarding passes and your receipt, thus bypassing the potentially long lines at the ticket counters. Curbside check-in also is available in most airports. If you need wheelchair assistance, check with a skycap at curbside or with a ticket agent upon arrival.

No. 4: Dress for success to navigate security. Metal may look cool to you, but the screening machines hate it. Avoid wearing shoes, clothing, jewelry and accessories that contain metal. Place your outer coat in a bin. Don't take wrapped presents to the airport. Ship them in advance or wrap them upon arrival.

No. 3: Don't forget your photo ID. If you are over 18 years of age, you will need a photo ID. You must have your ID in hand at the security checkpoint and during the boarding process. Make sure the name on your ID matches the name on your boarding pass.

No. 2: Stay close to your departure gate. Don't slip away to purchase a low-fat frozen yogurt with rainbow sprinkles when boarding begins. Board when your group number or row is called. Group or row numbers are printed on your boarding pass. You may be selected for additional screening during the boarding process.

No. 1: Relax and enjoy your flight to the vacation of your dreams. After all, it's YOUR VACATION. You're supposed to relax. If you packed wisely, checked in early, arrived early at the airport, prepared yourself for a smooth security screening and boarded on time, you have virtually eliminated the stress that can be caused by travel procrastination. Congratulations. And have a nice flight.

*TOP 10 SUMMER TRAVEL TIPS are provided courtesy of American Airlines*