BEFORE YOU GO TO THE AIRPORT

Buy a ticket for a morning flight, which is less susceptible to weather delays and cumulative backups. And build an extra day into your itinerary if you are heading to an important event.

Go online and choose your seat in advance. The Web site www.seatguru.com can tip you off to the best and worst seats.

Print out your boarding pass from your airline's Web site.

Know the rules for checked luggage. Go to your airline's Web site to find the weight and size restrictions.

Put liquids, gels and aerosols in containers of 3 ounces or less, and place them in quart-size, zip-top plastic bags, if you plan to carry them on the plane. The Transportation Security Administration prohibits knives and blades in carry-on luggage. For a list of prohibited items go to www.tsa.gov.

Go to RDU's Web site, www.rdu.com, to check flight status, find tips for navigating security checkpoints and information on where to park and eat.

There are no package delivery boxes in the RDU terminals for sending packages by overnight service. The Fed Ex drop-off box is at the Fed Ex cargo facility -- (800) 238-5355.

AT THE AIRPORT

Arrive 60 to 90 minutes before departure for domestic flights and two hours for international flights. Add additional time if you have to park in one of the remote lots or are traveling during holidays and peak hours.

Check your luggage at curbside.

Be prepared for the security checkpoint. Remove coats, jackets, blazers and shoes. Place metal objects, including cell phones and pagers, in carry-on luggage or in the containers provided at the checkpoint. Take laptops and video cameras from their cases.

Keep your boarding pass and photo ID out as you go through security.

If you're traveling with children, allow extra time for security screening. Remove children from strollers and carriers before going through the metal detector.

TO REDUCE CHANCES OF GETTING BUMPED

Check in at the gate at least 10 minutes before your flight. Most airlines require a 30-minute check-in minimum for passengers with advance seat assignments.

If you get to the gate within the check-in limit and you are told the flight is full, remind the gate agents that they must ask for volunteers before they deny you your seat. If there are not enough volunteers, the airline must compensate bumped passengers with up to $400 in cash.

SOURCES: RDU, THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS, BESTFARES.COM