South Carolina’s airports can be a turbulent ride before you even board your plane; one minute you’re excited about your trip, and the next you’re sweating through your shirt trying to find your gate.

There’s a lot that can go wrong at airports if you’re not careful.

So if you want to make your travel life easier, these are some things you should never do before your flight.

Show Up at the Last Possible Second

Look, I get it. No one wants to sit around at the airport forever. But cutting it too close?

Bad idea.

Flights don’t wait for you, and once the gate closes, that’s it. Doesn’t matter if the plane is still just chilling there—you’re not getting on.

Security lines can take forever, especially if someone in front of you decides to bring their entire kitchen sink in a carry-on. You’ve gotta give yourself enough time for the unexpected.

The rule of thumb?

Two hours early for domestic flights, three for international.

I know, I know—it sounds like overkill. But being early means you can actually relax instead of sprinting through the terminal like it’s the Olympics.

Forget Your ID or Passport

You’d be shocked how many people show up to the airport without their ID or passport. Like… what were you planning to do, charm your way onto the plane?

If you’re flying in the U.S., you need a real ID—a driver’s license, passport, something official.

Flying out of the country?

You better have that passport. And it better not be expired.

Do yourself a favor: double-check your wallet or bag before you leave the house. If you realize at the airport that you forgot your ID, you’re probably not making that flight.

And don’t assume old IDs or beat-up passports are gonna slide. TSA doesn’t mess around.

Also—some countries need visas. Check before you go, or you’ll be learning the hard way at the check-in counter.

Pack Big Liquids in Your Carry-On

Okay, the liquid rule has been a thing forever. You’re only allowed to bring little bottles—3.4 ounces max—and they all have to fit in a clear, quart-size bag.

No, you can’t sneak in your giant bottle of lotion or your favorite iced tea. TSA will catch it.

It’s no fun tossing out expensive liquids at the security line. But rules are rules; they don’t care if it’s your favorite shampoo from Paris or your grandma’s homemade hot sauce.

So, pack big liquids in your checked bag. Or buy it when you land.

If it can squirt, pour, or spread, assume it’s a liquid and deal with it ahead of time.

Wear Complicated Clothes

You don’t need to dress for your flight like you’re walking the red carpet. The goal is to get through security fast, not impress anyone.

If your outfit has lots of buckles, metal pieces, or you’re wearing knee-high lace-up boots… good luck.

The more stuff you have to take off, the longer you’ll spend at security. And you’ll end up holding up the line while everyone behind you stares and sighs.

Not a fun time.

Go for easy clothes—comfy pants, a hoodie, slip-on shoes. You can still look cute without setting off the metal detector.

Be Loud or Rude

No one wants to be stuck near the person yelling on their phone or flipping out on the airline staff. Airports can already be stressful—don’t make it worse for everybody else.

If something goes wrong (and let’s be real, stuff always goes wrong at the airport), try not to lose your cool.

The gate agent didn’t cancel your flight on purpose. Being rude won’t magically open up a new seat for you.

Also, keep your phone voice down. Everyone around you is just trying to mind their business. Save the drama for after you land.

Leave Your Bags Alone

This one’s serious. Don’t ever, ever walk away from your bags. Not even for “just a second.”

If security sees your stuff sitting by itself, they’ll assume the worst. You might even get a whole terminal shutdown, and then you’ll be that person.

Even worse, someone could straight-up steal your stuff. Airports are full of people, and not all of them are nice. If you need to hit the bathroom or grab coffee, bring your bag or ask a friend to keep an eye on it.

Bottom line: your bag goes where you go. No exceptions.

Try to Sneak in Banned Stuff

TSA has a very long list of things you can’t bring, and they’re serious about it. People try to get clever, but it never works.

Pocket knives? Nope.

Fireworks? What are you even doing?

Oversized snow globes? That’s a weird one, but also no.

If TSA finds something sketchy, they’ll stop you, search your stuff, maybe give you a fine, and worst-case, you miss your flight. All because you really needed to pack that fancy meat cleaver.

Not sure if something’s allowed? Google “TSA what can I bring.” It’s super easy to check, and it’ll save you a whole lot of trouble.

Hog the Charging Station

We all want our phones charged, especially before a flight. But don’t be that person who plugs in four things and sits there for an hour while people hover awkwardly with a 3% battery.

If there are only a few outlets, share. Let someone else plug in, or unplug your Bluetooth toothbrush that could’ve waited.

Better yet, bring a portable charger. They’re cheap, small, and make you look like a travel pro.

Trust me, people will love you way more if you don’t act like the outlet is your personal property.

Skip the Bathroom Before Boarding

Okay, I don’t care if you “don’t have to go”—just try. Planes can get stuck on the runway for a while, and once that seatbelt sign is on, you’re not getting up.

Sitting there squirming for 45 minutes is not the move.

Also, airplane bathrooms? Tiny, loud, and just… not great.

If you’ve got a window seat, you’ll also have to awkwardly climb over two strangers. Why do that to yourself?

Hit the bathroom before you board. Even if it’s just a quick pit stop, future you will appreciate it.

Crowd Around the Gate

As soon as the gate agent picks up the mic, it’s like a stampede. People swarm the area even if their group won’t board for another 20 minutes.

Chill, folks—the plane’s not leaving without you.

Crowding the gate just makes it harder for people who do need to board, like families with little kids or wheelchair users.