“This is going to be a busy summer for airlines, hotels and resorts, making the services of a professional travel advisor even more vital,” said Angie Licea, President of Global Travel Collection, a division of Internova Travel Group. “You want expert advice on where to go, where to stay and which flights to take. And if there’s a delay or cancellation, you want the security of knowing your travel advisor — a human being you can contact — will be there to help.”

Here are some tips from GTC travel advisors, who represent the world’s largest luxury travel agency network:

Get to the airport with plenty of time to spare. For international flights, that means arriving three to four hours before departure. For domestic flights, you should plan on two hours in advance. Lines are going to be very long at the ticket counters, baggage check and security, so if you cut it too close you run the risk of missing your flight. In the event of a delay or cancellation, it could take hours to get rebooked.

Be prepared for a flight delay. If you have to change planes to get to your destination, schedule a longer connection time than you would normally. Even if you think you have plenty of time, a crowded airport means it’ll take you longer to make your way to another gate or terminal. You may want to consider booking a nonstop flight, even if it’s more expensive.

Whenever possible, carry your bags with you on the plane. This way, if there’s a delay or cancellation, you won’t have to wait for your luggage to be pulled or be without your bags if you miss your connection.

Be flexible. There may be times when you’ll feel frustrated or angry, but taking it out on the people who work at the airport won’t get you anywhere. Bringing something to keep you occupied will help you stay calm if you find yourself in the departure area longer than expected.

If you do check your bags, keep electronic devices and chargers — and your kids’ devices — with you in your carry-on. In the event of a long delay, you’ll be glad you have them with you.

Packing snacks that you can take through security will help you avoid paying airport prices for food.

If you’re a member of an airline club lounge, you may not be able to enter immediately. Some passengers have reported wait times of up to 40 minutes. And some clubs are limiting the amount of time you can use the facility, or how close to departure you can enter. Before leaving the club to head to your gate, double-check to make sure there are no potential delays. Once you leave, you may have to get back in line to re-enter.

Think about tacking a few days onto either side of your trip. If you’re just going away for a weekend, a flight delay could mean you lose valuable time at your destination. The same goes if you’re taking a tour or a cruise. You should plan on arriving at the starting point a few days early. You don’t want to miss out on your vacation because of a flight delay. Your GTC travel advisor can help you arrange a hotel and car rental if necessary.

Finally, if you have time to spare, take the airline up on travel credits offered in exchange for changing your flight. You could really rack up some free trips over the summer.

About Global Travel Collection

Global Travel Collection (GTC), a division of Internova Travel Group, is the world’s largest collection of international luxury travel agencies, including the well-established networks of Protravel International, Tzell Travel Group, and Colletts Travel, as well as Andrew Harper, In the Know Experiences, All Star Travel Group and R. Crusoe & Son. GTC advisors and agencies are industry leaders in providing premium travel services to leisure travelers, corporate executives and the entertainment industry. The combined global reach and leverage translates into value, recognition, and preferential treatment for its world travelers.

About Internova Travel Group

Internova Travel Group is one of the largest travel services companies in the world with a collection of leading brands delivering high-touch, personal travel expertise to leisure and corporate clients. Internova manages leisure, business and franchise firms through a portfolio of distinctive divisions. Internova represents more than 70,000 travel advisors in over 6,000 company-owned and affiliated locations predominantly in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, with a presence in more than 80 countries.