Before heading to the airport in 2026, the most critical items to verify are your documentation and travel restrictions. Ensure your passport has at least six months of validity and that you have downloaded any necessary visas or digital entry permits required for your destination. Beyond paperwork, remember to check your airline's specific baggage weight limits—overweight fees at the counter are significantly higher than pre-paid rates. Charge all your electronics and download your airline's mobile app, as many carriers have moved entirely to digital boarding passes and in-flight entertainment streaming. For physical preparation, check the current traffic and security wait times; a good rule of thumb is arriving 2 hours early for domestic and 3 hours for international flights. Finally, ensure your "liquids" bag is easily accessible for security and that you haven't packed prohibited items like loose lithium batteries in your checked luggage, as these can lead to significant delays or bag confiscations.