Frequent Flyer Fashion: Arrive at the Airport in Style

How many times have you traveled by plane, a short three hour flight, and arrived only to look like something that cat has drug in? With these top ten hints you can arrive looking calm and collected, instead of wrinkled, cranky and tired.

1). Choose your travel outfit carefully. Dark colors are good as they are less likely to show stains; to further prevent stains, order only clear drinks. Choose clothes that are comfortable - don't pick anything that rides up, pinches or restrains. Cotton fabrics are often the best choice as this fabric will breathe and can resist wrinkling. Also, find out the predicted weather for your destination so that you can dress appropriately, adding or taking off layers as needed.

2). Keep in mind that you will be going through security checkpoints. Wear shoes you can slip on and off with ease. It is a common practice at many airports for passengers to now have to remove their shoes while going through the security checkpoints. Also, refrain from wearing pants with metal grommets or belts with metal. Avoid clothing with large metal zippers. If you do this, you should be able to go through the checkpoint with ease and will not be delayed.

3). Bring something to entertain yourself. Always bring a book and a personal music device. This will guarantee that you will have something to occupy yourself with during the flight. You will then also have a polite excuse to avoid the passenger next to you if desirable.

4). Gum or mints. Many people experience the uncomfortable feeling of having their ears become plugged during take-off and landing as the pressure in the cabin changes. Chewing gum will often help the pressurization equalize in your ears because of the chewing action. Mints and gum are also useful as often you won't have a place to brush your teeth before you arrive and are greeted friends or family at the airport.

5). Neck pillow. These devices are worth using despite their unattractive appearance while in use. There is nothing more frustrating than being excruciatingly tired on a flight and either being unable to fall asleep because you can't rest your head or falling asleep and waking up with neck cramps.

6). Change for the vending machines or provide your own snack. While many flights leave and arrive on time, it is still common to experience delays. It is best to provide a small snack in case your flight is delayed.

7). Extra batteries for any electronic devices and make sure you cell phone is fully charged. Although this is a common sense tip, many of us forget to charge our phones in the rush of getting to our destinations and often we may even forget to pack the charging cord(s).

8). Pack your carry-on luggage with the assumption your checked luggage may get lost or delayed. I have had my luggage lost once for three days; thankfully I had packed spare clothes and undergarments in my carry on or I would have had to spend some of my vacation money on things I already had.

9). Individualize your luggage. Add bright, noticeable personal touches to luggage to make them easy to locate and distinguish from other travelers' luggage when at the baggage claim. Emblems, stickers or nifty name tags are quick and inexpensive. This practice may also help the airline to find your luggage if it is lost or misrouted.

10). Know you pick-up point and time if you are being met at the airport and any contact information if possible. This will cut down on confusion and delays when being met at the airport. It can also be helpful to wear a bright-colored hat for your driver to be able to see you at a distance as it is often difficult to pick people out of crowds at the curb. Cell phones are also very handy at this time to alert your ride if your flight is late or early