Ah, the holidays.

The older I get, the more I wonder how it happened that the season of peace, goodwill and brotherly love got wrapped up in so much stress. From long shopping lists to long airport lines, we’ve all got a lot to manage. 

If you’re traveling during this time of year, simplification is key to maintaining sanity. The goal is to have a *happy* holiday, not to relive a scene out of “Planes, Trains and Automobiles.”

So step back, take a deep breath, and consider a few of my simple suggestions before you head to the airport. With some thoughtful preparation, you’ll be bypassing lines and managing the dreaded TSA (Transportation Security Administration) like a jet-setter.

One Step Ahead 

Check on flight status using your airline’s Web site or toll-free number several hours before scheduled departure. Don’t wait until arriving at the airport to find out your plane is delayed. Staying informed makes it easier to draft alternate plans … or at least avoid the pain and hassle of hanging around in an airport all day.

I recommend using automatic flight status notification – a convenient perk of living in the 21^st century. Sign up for this service online, and your airline can send current flight information to your cell phone or PDA via text message.

Save time by checking in online, up to 24 hours before takeoff. Airline Web sites make it easy to select your seat and print a boarding pass. If you’re not checking bags, you can skip airport lines entirely and head right for the gate.

If you check-in online but still need to check luggage, try a curbside kiosk. It may cost an extra dollar or two, but you’ll save time and stress.

Perhaps the most important strategy is to head for the airport earlier than usual – two or three hours before scheduled takeoff, at least. Heavy holiday crowds make everything move at a snail’s pace. You don’t want to be rushing to catch a flight while trying to muddle through security alongside a few hundred novice travelers.

Stand near your gate and stay alert as boarding time nears. Getting on the plane as quickly as possible ensures more available overhead space. If the storage above your seat is taken, look for another toward the front of the plane, rather than behind you. This will make it much easier to retrieve your goods once the plane lands.

Don’t forget to make things easier on the folks who come to get you. No one wants to drive in circles around the airport for an hour, scanning the curb for your arrival. Have relatives park in one of the free “cell phone” lots now common at most airports. When you’ve picked up your baggage and are ready to roll, one quick call brings Uncle Mike curbside.

Safe and Secure

Rest assured: airport security equals long lines and complicated procedures. Removing jackets and shoes, juggling toiletries … it all adds up to one big traffic jam if you’re not prepared.

The best thing you can do is know the rules. Travelers can carry liquid, gel or aerosol products through security in containers no larger than 3 ounces. You may only carry as many little containers as will fit in one quart-sized clear plastic zip-top bag.

Larger liquids, gels, hairsprays, etc. must go into your checked luggage or be purchased after passing through security, so leave that water bottle at home. The few exceptions include prescription medications and baby formula.

If you are uncertain about an item, check the TSA Web site for more details.

Avoid evil stares from cranky travelers by having everything ready when your turn in line arrives. Security queues move slowly, making this relatively easy. Remove your shoes and take your laptop out of its case.

Once you’ve passed inspection, double-check all belongings to make sure you haven’t forgotten something. (And to make sure everything you grabbed is actually yours.)

The Spirit of Giving

Shipping gifts ahead of time will lighten your load, and can help you avoid checking baggage. Lost luggage is more common than you might think, and who wants to show up at the family gathering without Saint Nick’s precious cargo?

Packing light helps avoid strained shoulders; you’d be amazed how much a lighter load can ease stress. Simplifying luggage can avoid strained wallets too – checking overweight or multiple bags can lead to extra fees.

If you must cart a few gifts on the plane, don’t wrap them until you reach your destination. Should the TSA decide to inspect your parcels, all that pretty paper will go to waste.

Above all, be patient and remember everyone else in the airport is trying to get somewhere, too. And they’re probably in a hurry. Remember that spirit of brotherly love …

Travel Smart, and have a happy holiday!