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A lot turns upon those critical hours leading up to a trip, and so much can go awry if you're not careful. Airport screening delays alone cause thousands of people to miss their flights every year, and that's a lot of money down the drain. But there are ways to be prepared. Check out this gallery to see the worst mistakes you can make at the airport.

▲Most airlines allow you to check in 24-48 hours ahead of time, and you’ll get early access to things like seat selection. Plus you can save time waiting in line when you arrive at the airport, especially if you’re travelling without checked bags.

▲Though you might be filled with a blinding excitement, you should remember to check the status of your flight before leaving the house. You could save yourself hours of milling about if your flight happens to be delayed, or you could save yourself the drive if it’s cancelled. You can even sign up for email or text notifications for flight updates.

▲For some reason, when under the pressure of time and scrutiny, people feel the need to debut their first drafts of inappropriate jokes in front of security. The employees have an important job, so save the funny business for the people who can't kick you out of an airport.

▲If you’re leaving a snowy winter to fly somewhere tropical, don’t wear your parka, boots, and sweaters to the airport. They’ll just be a burden and take up valuable room in your bags that could be filled with souvenirs. Layer on clothes that you’re taking anyway, or get a ride from a friend/family member to the airport and send your heavy clothes home.

▲Additionally, avoid dressing exactly for the beach weather at your destination. Airplanes are notoriously cold, and any flight emergencies require good shoes and a warm layer. Break out the athleisure!

▲It’s good for the environment, your own health, and your wallet, since airport water bottles are monstrously overpriced. Of course, you should make sure the bottle is empty before security and then fill up on the other side.

▲Sure, you no longer have to arrive three hours early, but you should still arrive with time to spare. Give yourself enough time to go through security relaxed, and leave room for error. Most airlines also have cut-off times for checking bags (usually an hour before the flight), plus you'll have to deal with traffic and parking.

▲If you really think you need to pack more things (which you probably don’t), don’t wait until you get to the airport to pay for a second bag. Save money by paying online, and weigh your bags at home so you're not hit with overweight fees.

▲Most people aren’t aware that many countries require additional paperwork when traveling with children, particularly if only one parent is accompanying the child. If you don’t have the required documentation, you could be turned away.

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Sure you might find an outlet in a gate far from yours, but it’s probably filled. Two things you can do: bring a portable power bank, or carry a small power adapter with two or three slots in it to share. Having your devices will help combat the long wait times.

▲When you have time to kill between flights, those duty free shopping signs are very tempting. The idea behind duty free is to offer merchandise with reduced or eliminated sales taxes, but often times it’s not really bargain at all. Check the prices on your smartphone before charging your card.

▲While you might have clear skies ready for take off, you should still check the weather at your destination since that can also throw a wrench in your plans. If the forecast is not looking good, prepare extra snacks and bring things to stay entertained at the airport.

▲Do the healthier and cheaper thing and don’t wait until you get to the airport to buy your snacks. By packing things like granola bars, you’ll be less likely to eat junk. Just make sure you eat any fruit/vegetables before arriving in another country, as many nations restrict the importation of fresh food items.

▲Firstly, airport restaurants are grossly overpriced. Secondly, you should avoid having a huge meal before flying because it’ll leave you feeling sluggish, bloated, and uncomfortable on the flight.

▲Airports often have inflated exchange rates, and it's often better to carry a credit card with no foreign transaction fees or to withdraw money from an ATM.

▲There have been instances where, if the name on the boarding pass doesn’t match the name on the passport, people have been denied entry onto flights.

▲It sounds stupid, but it happens more often than you think. Your passport is separate from your baggage because you need it at various checkpoints in the airport, but there’s a chance you might put it down for a second and walk away. If you want to get on that plane, keep track of it at all times and make sure it’s the last thing you check before leaving the house.

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It slows you and everyone else down when you have to dig around your carry-on for your liquids. Some people still don’t know, or forget, that they all need to be 100 ml or less, and they must all fit in a clear, resealable quart-sized plastic bag. While this might seem obvious, the trash cans in security are proof that it’s not.

▲Your laptop and any other large electronics have to go through security in a separate bin, so make sure they’re accessible and not packed deep under your clothes.

▲Avoid wearing metal when you're going through security. It's easy enough to whip off your shoes and a belt, but don't forget to take off your rings, bracelets, watches, chains, etc. before you reach security.

▲Your phone is handy for storing your boarding pass and important documents, but many unpredictable mistakes or mishaps could occur. You could potentially run out of battery, and not having a backup printed copy of your details could cost you your flight.

▲Many airlines and airports suggest passengers put their valuables in their carry-on bags and have them with them at all times. If they lose your luggage, at least you’ll have the expensive stuff.

▲It may sound silly, but it happens! Especially in big cities where there is more than one airport, it's a good idea to check which specific airport you are going to.

▲Nothing slows down the lines at security and when boarding like those people rummaging through through their pockets and bags looking for the documents they swear they just had.

▲Smartphones and tablets are great for traveling, especially with kids, but people tend to be a little more grumpy at airports and they don’t want to hear your movie, video game, or personal playlist of throwback tunes.

▲It's not always possible to fly at less popular times, such as at an early hour or on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, but make it a point not to book during Friday and Sunday evenings whenever you can. You’ll enjoy it so much more.

▲Never underestimate the power of asking for help when you’re stressed out and under a time constraint. Staff have the power to move you through a security line more quickly, and will often accommodate anyone in a potentially disastrous time-crunch. You just need to let them know!

▲Airports can be a stressful place, and staying calm and being respectful, while in a rush or not, is critical to a smooth flight experience. Plus, security staff are more likely to help you out.

▲Many people in airports just follow the people in front of them, but taking a few seconds to look at the lines to see which snake, which have more agents working them, and how much baggage people have could save you a lot of time.

▲Taxi trips to the airport are notoriously expensive, especially during peak hours. Look for trains or buses, and pre-book for certainty.

▲Have a plan in place for this possibility. Most travelers head to the airline’s support counter to reschedule their flights, but instead of waiting in a huge line, call a phone agent who can do just as much as the airport agents.

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While it may be tempting to have a few drinks in preparation for a flight, it will only make it worse in the long-run, as you'll feel woozy, tipsy and light-headed while cramped in a small cabin.