Reaching your destination without too much hassle!

Going on a trip is a big deal. It requires preparation, as several steps await us upon arrival at the airport. For some, all of this can be stressful. Personally, I'm definitely the biggest bundle of nerves in an airport, so I sympathize! I've put together a short guide to help you board your next flight stress-free.

Let's start with one of our biggest concerns: luggage . You need to pack everything you need, taking care to adapt it to your chosen destination. Generally, the average weight for checked baggage on international flights is 23 kg, and for carry-on baggage, it's 10 kg. Keep in mind that for domestic flights, the baggage allowance may be lower than for international flights, so always check with the airline. Remember to pack fragile items and electronic devices, such as a mobile phone or camera, in your carry-on. I also always recommend including a change of clothes, as you never know if your suitcase will be there when you arrive. It's best to be prepared!

For smokers, you can carry a lighter in a plastic bag. If you have an e-cigarette, it must also be in your hand luggage.

For parents of young children (under two years old), you are entitled to a diaper bag on board the aircraft and you can also take a stroller to the boarding gate. The baby will not have checked baggage as they will travel on a parent's lap, so remember to pack their belongings with yours.

For passengers with severe allergies, EpiPens are permitted on board if they are in their protective case. Liquids and gels are also allowed in your carry-on baggage, provided the containers are made of clear plastic and do not exceed 100 ml. Any containers exceeding these limits will be confiscated at security. After passing through customs, you can visit the airport's restaurants and purchase food or drinks to take on board.

For those who wish to put a padlock on their suitcases, be aware that not all padlocks are accepted. It must be key-operated and recognized by the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA). One last piece of advice: if any of your luggage is damaged, it is important to report it immediately to the airport before even leaving. This way, you will be able to file a claim, should anything happen.

Your suitcases weigh no more than 23 kg, the children are securely buckled up, the dog is with the sitter, and your seats have been pre-selected with your travel agent? You're now ready to go! You arrive at the airport, park the car, and enter through the main gate. It's time to check in . You have three options. First, you can check in 24 hours before departure, from home, directly on the airline's website. Once that's done, upon arrival at the airport, simply drop off your luggage at the designated counter. The counter's location will be clearly marked with signs. If you haven't checked in online, you can do so at the airport using the self-service check-in kiosks. As a final check-in option, you can also choose the traditional method, going directly to the check-in counter, where you will also leave your luggage. Afterwards, once your luggage has been collected by the staff, you will be given your boarding pass and your suitcases will be tagged. You can then continue on your way. Next step: security .

This step is always a little stressful. Security is there to ensure that nothing illegal comes aboard the aircraft. So, you need to be very careful about what you're carrying in your hand luggage. If everything is in order, you'll get through security without too much trouble. Take your electronic devices (fully charged) out of your bag and place everything on the conveyor belt. Answer questions like, "Are you having a nice day?" Avoid jokes. No, you don't have a bomb on you, and now is not the time to say otherwise. Listen to what you're told, do what you're asked, and everything will be fine. Security is there to protect the passengers, not to cause harm.

You can relax now that you've cleared security. You'll then be in the international zone, which means you can head to the waiting area, the last transit zone before your flight. A duty-free shop and other small boutiques will be available. You can buy anything you like in these shops. Your belongings will be placed in sealed bags at the checkout and will be allowed on board.

The boarding area for your flight is indicated on your boarding pass. Simply follow the clearly marked signs throughout the airport to the correct waiting area. Boarding will take place there. Afterward, present your boarding pass to the designated staff member, who will wish you a pleasant flight. After thanking them, you will proceed through the aircraft doors and take your seat. Takeoff will begin shortly.

During the flight, flight attendants will be at your service. If necessary, they will serve your meal. Depending on the airline, if nothing is offered on board, you will be able to purchase light meals or snacks. Generally, payment is made by credit card. As for in-flight entertainment, this varies from airline to airline. Take the time to check what's on offer before your departure by visiting your airline's website. For example: will there be small screens available for each passenger? Will a movie be shown on board? If nothing is provided, bringing your own tablet or a good book wouldn't be a bad idea! On the contrary, a flight can become tedious if you don't keep yourself occupied. For long flights, I advise you to get up from time to time and walk in the aisle. To avoid feeling unwell upon disembarking, I recommend moving around a bit. During takeoff, the flight attendant will explain all the emergency procedures to follow should anything go wrong during the flight. This is the same for every takeoff, so don't worry! Finally, bring a small pillow to support your neck, because if it's a long flight, a short nap might be in order.

During your journey, you may have a layover and a change of aircraft. You will therefore disembark the plane. This is called a layover. Bring all the personal belongings you had on board and keep your passport and documents with you. You will find yourself in the transit area. This is an international area where travelers from all over the world wait for their next flight. You will simply need to proceed to the next boarding gate. This will be indicated on your boarding pass. Upon arrival at your final destination, you will disembark the aircraft and proceed to the baggage carousel. The carousel number where your luggage is located will be displayed on boards next to your flight number. In the meantime, you will go through customs.

What is customs ? Customs officers make sure we enter the country for legitimate reasons. They also ensure that the contents of our suitcases are safe for the country and that we have nothing illegal to declare. They are the ones who control the flow of people into their country. Customs officers always ask us a few questions, but it's nothing too serious:

"What brings you to our country?"

"Do you have anything that isn't legal here?"

"How long will you be staying here?"

"Where will you be visiting?"

Customs officers will be interested in what we're going to do in their country. Honesty is key. Just like going through security, you need to be somewhat serious, but between you and me, the customs officer is a bit more talkative than the security staff. Answer their questions and they'll let you go. If, on the other hand, you take the risk of slipping items into your luggage that aren't allowed in the country, they'll find out. The penalties can be very severe, so you always have to be careful. They'll reread the declaration card you filled out beforehand on board the plane. If you were honest on that little piece of paper, everything will be fine. You'll then arrive at your final destination. You'll walk through the gate with your family, the trolley full of suitcases, and you'll hit the road for new adventures. With that, have a good trip!