Airports can be a stressful experience, with non-stop waiting and watching to see when your plane is ready to board.
For some, the holiday hasn't really started until they get on the plane, as that's when they can be confident that they will reach their destination. And because of that, keen travellers can be quick to queue up the second that their flight is announced.
However, according to pilot Patrick Smith, this excitement to get going is actually a common blunder that leads to disruption, writes the Mirror.
The expert explains that while you may be eager to get on the plane, you could slow the whole process down by rushing to queue if you aren't due to go on first.
"When your flight is called for boarding, resist the urge to stand up and get in line immediately," he told holiday service eShores.
"In the past, people stayed in their seats until their row or zone was called. Nowadays, when the first pre-boarding call is announced, two-hundred people instantly stand up and form a mob, blocking the way for those passengers whose zones are actually being called."
The pilot describes the rush as "madness" and adds that queueing up as soon as your gate is called "does not get you on the plane any faster."
He says that those who are actually being called up have to "literally elbow and shove their way to the front" making the "already tedious boarding process take longer."
When you're finally aboard, your flight is likely to be much comfier if you book a seat, according to Patrick.
"The longer the flight, the more important your seat choice becomes," he said. "If your sole objective is to save money by going with the cheapest fare option, chances are you’ll find yourself in a middle seat.
"But for any flight more than a few hours long, I recommend paying extra for the ability to pick a seat."
He adds: "Keep in mind that planes are configured in different ways depending on the aircraft model and market."
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