I've been a flight attendant for years. Here are the 5 mistakes I always see travelers make.

As a flight attendant, I have observed travelers making several common mistakes during their journey. Here are the top five mistakes I've noticed:

1. Not arriving at the airport early enough. It is advisable to arrive two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights. This gives you enough time to navigate the airport, check-in, go through security, and find your gate without feeling rushed.

2. Overindulging at the airport bar. While a pre-flight drink can be tempting, it's important to avoid excessive consumption. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) prohibits intoxicated passengers from boarding a plane due to safety concerns. If a crew member suspects a passenger is intoxicated, they are required to report it. The passenger may then be removed from the flight.

3. Leaving the airport during a long delay. Even if your flight is delayed, it's crucial to stay close to the airport. Flights can sometimes be "un-delayed," meaning the airline may locate a replacement plane, crew, or better weather conditions. If you're not at the airport when the flight resumes, you risk missing your connection.

4. Not securing your seat in advance. Even if you're traveling with someone else, it's not guaranteed that you'll be seated together unless you've selected your seats in advance. This applies even if you booked the flights on the same reservation. Choosing your seat beforehand ensures you can sit next to your travel companions or get a preferred seat for your comfort.

5. Not wiping down your seat before sitting down. Cleaning procedures may vary across airlines and airports, but generally, they are minimal. Given the close proximity of passengers and the frequent use of tray tables, it's a good idea to bring your own disinfecting wipes and clean your seat before settling in.