Important lessons for continental air travel

1. Check dates of departure before confirming online bookings.
(You won't be able to fly if your ticket is for the wrong date)

2. Check airport of departure early on day of travel.
(You can plan your journey in advance and leave enough time to get there without the mad dash)

3. Queue at the correct check-in desk once at airport.
(You won't waste unnecessary time in frustratingly long queues)

4. Check in your luggage at the bag drop before the gate closes.
(You can avoid paying £50 to take your bag on the plane)

5. Don't travel with expensive full-size liquid cosmetics.
(You won't need to watch the security guard go through your toiletries and throw them all away should you happen do all of the above)

6. Don't sit next to people who cross themselves on the plane.
(You can avoid spending the rest of the flight wondering what else might go wrong)