Angie’s List went to the travel experts for insight on how to secure a seat -- and your best deal.

5 Tips on Flying Smart:

1. Fly early in the day to avoid delays at other airports.
2. Go online and print boarding passes before you go to the airport.
3. Get to the airport early to clear security, and know the security rules.
4. Program your airline’s number into your cell phone to rebook quickly if you need to, and sign up for alerts from the airlines so you know what gate your plane is leaving from, when that gate changes, when the time changes, etc.
5. Pay for your tickets with a credit card. Debit cards offer buyers no recourse if things go awry. Credit card companies may refund your costs if you contest the charge in writing within 60 days from the billing date of the charge.