As someone who’s always been an nervous flier, I’ve always frequented the flying tips sites. Now from time-to-time I like to contribute back and share my own tips. Here are a few lessons this edgy air travelers has learned:

 Know/research your airports

I saw the distant hills and palm trees as the plane touched down at LAX.

Fueled by The Doors’ “L.A. Woman,” I exited the plane ready for my Los Angeles vacation to officially begin earlier this month.

I wanted to feel the California heat. I wanted to see the ocean. I wanted to wear my sunglasses indoors.

However, I didn’t find gates with an ocean view I’d imagined in the airport. Instead I descended an escalator to the maze-like catacombs of LAX — a long, narrow hallway partially under construction. Only black and white posters for elaborate vacations broke the dank humidity and claustrophobia: Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Paris, London … etc. After walking through a dimly lit construction zone, I finally neared the baggage area and was ready to go wait in a concourse for my friends’ plane to land a about half hour or hour later.

LAX has eight terminals, and I needed to eventually get from Terminal 5 to Terminal 2 on the opposite side of the airport. But I’d grown cocky traveling through Atlanta’s Hatfield-Jackson Airport — dubbed the busiest in the world — without much trouble or forethought several times.

But all I found was the ticketing area, the baggage area, and the exit to the drop-off/pickup.

I strolled around through the white-washed terminal and found no good walkway from terminal to terminal. Almost ending up back in a TSA line and getting a few dirty looks, I opted to relax, find an outlet to charge my phone and listen to some music.  But I could find no waiting areas and little seating. I finally opted for a secluded spot in a corner with an outlet, but only found a damp substance on the wall when I braced myself to sit (Needless to say I found the nearest sink to wash my hands).

After a few minutes, I finally bit the bullet. I found an airport map and figured out how to use the airport bus shuttle to get me over to Terminal 2, though I still prefer the underground train in Atlanta’s airport.

That day I added “always be prepared” to my list of airport and travel tips. Airport designs are usually somewhat simple and readily available. Its just key to take the time to research them. No two airports are alike, and going from terminal to terminal can suck up time at airports.

 Take airport transit

Most of the time, airport shuttles and trains are there for a reason — it’s a long ways to walk. On my first trip to Atlanta’s Hatfield-Jackson, I decided to walk to the baggage area instead of taking the train. I thought I’d stretch my legs. I walked 15 minutes, barely made a dent in the distance and left my friend waiting at the pickup/dropoff area as I finally bit the bullet and hopped the train.

 Form a routine

As you may know from past columns, I’m not the bravest flier in the world, but I have a close friend who lives several states away and, like most people, limited vacation time which eliminates the choice of road tripping. It leaves little choice. What’s helped me get over the preflight jitters? Routine. I have an album I always listen to on the way to the airport, I buy a Rolling Stone magazine in the concourse, along with a few other routines. Does it make for a smoother flight? No, but it calms the nerves of people like me who are bit edgy on planes.

 Know the plane

On my second adult flight, I sat right behind the engines. It was loud, and I felt like I could hear every little rev of the engines, which, of course, made me overthink each noise I heard. Through research and subsequent flights, I eventually realized it’s just a louder — and some say bumpier — part of the plane. Now, I typically vie for a seat in front of the engines and wings. Another good thing I realized, each plane feels different. On some you can feel every turn and bump, others seem just more smooth (my lone flight on a 767-300 felt like a breeze, but I’m not sure if it was the plane, the day’s air currents or a bit of both). In short, knowing what to expect makes for an easier mind.

 Be prepared to bounce

Be prepared to shake. While I’ve really enjoyed my smooth flights, they’re not commonplace. I leave the good, enjoyable ones feeling like I’ve only earned a turbulent one for next time. Being ready for the bouncing is key for me, so I always have some kind of distraction ready. Planes with TVs/movies can be nice. I’ve made a few playlists on my phone and have a few turbulence albums to help when the going gets rough. Standup comedy albums can be a godsend.