Years ago, a fair number of people actually enjoyed air travel. Today, with higher priced flights, bigger airport crowds, and more frequent delays, it is hard to find anyone who looks forward to air travel. It is just not a pleasant experience.

The only travel worse than everyday flying is flying during the holiday season. The crowds are bigger, the delays are longer and more frequent, and the fares are generally higher. But, if you have to travel far enough, the airlines are your only option.

You may never look forward to holiday flying, but you can reduce your frustration by following five simple suggestions.

1. Whenever possible, use an online travel site like Kayak or Priceline to find the best flight times and the most competitive prices. If you are booking holiday flights, do so as early as possible; your options will be far greater if you do.

2. Print out and put in a file two copies of all flight information, hotel information, rental car information, etc. If you do not know the route between the airport you are flying into and your final destination, either bring a GPS, rent a GPS, or print out internet directions and add them to your file. Carry the file with you (do not put it in checked baggage).

3. Check in for flights and make baggage arrangements online.

4. Check you bags and get boarding passes curbside. This simple step may sometimes save you an hour.

5. Do you take daily medication? Are you bringing critical business documents on your trip? Do not put anything you absolutely must have with you in checked baggage; carry it with you. Delayed or lost baggage will always be inconvenient, but you can prevent it from putting you in an emergency situation.

If you travel fairly frequently, you might want to consider joining an airline program which gives you access to airport VIP lounges, a car rental club which helps you avoid lines, and one or two of the hotel priority clubs. The conveniences and amenities these programs offer are particulary welcome during the busy holiday travel season.