Traveling by air has got to be one of the most inconvenient things you can do. Of course, in almost all cases, it beats driving, or taking the bus. But traveling by air is certainly not something that most people look forward to. There's all kinds of hassles you need to go through at the airport, and who knows how long that security line will last. However, there are some things that can make it easier. And you're in luck, because you are going to learn those things in this very article.

First of all, connecting flights have got to be the worst invention of mankind. Whenever possible, always get direct flights. This will cut down on your aggravation considerably. You might need to spend some extra cash, but a direct flight will be well worth it.

Make sure you use the name on your driver's license when you buy your ticket. You don't want to cause any unnecessary problems. They'll need to see your ID when you travel, so make sure the names match exactly. Otherwise you are just asking for trouble. Remember, the people that work at the airline counters aren't making that much money, and they deal with angry customers all day long. Don't make their jobs any harder.

Whenever you can, choose your seats. Don't wait until the last minute. If you can choose your seats when you book your flight. If that's not possible, check and see if you can do it online the night before you travel. Short of that, get to the airport mighty early to secure a decent seat. You don't want to end up squished between two strangers for a few hours. They might both try and sell you life insurance or something.

Make sure your bags don't look like every other bag.. Stick a Van Halen sticker on there or something, but make it obvious that it's your bag and yours only. Nobody else will grab it, and you won't grab another person's bag.

Get as many free samples as you can to bring with you. Head to Costco the night before and load up. With the price of airline food these days, who knows how long you'll need to go before getting a full meal.

Bring your own blankets and pillows if you need them, and make sure to get a hand held container of that anti germ stuff to wash your hands with. The guy that sat in your seat before you might've had leprosy or something. You never know.

Make it easy on airport security. Make sure there's nothing in your bag that looks like bombs, knives or anything else that might raise eyebrows. You'll also go through security a lot faster.

When you take these tips to heart, it will be a lot easier to travel, and you'll get through the ordeal with a lot less hassle. Now enjoy your flight.