This can often be done months in advance. Usually the front of the plane is reserved for business class and the back few rows for smokers, although an increasing number of airlines now prohibit smoking altogether. The baggage allowance is unlikely to cause problems for people taking holidays. Wise travellers always take the minimum of baggage. Remember to leave room for items purchased while on holiday, plus literature and momentoes such as motel directories, tourist booklets and leaflets, National Parks maps and other information, etc.
Ladies can take a handbag in addition to another bag.
Put all your essential documents in a carry-on bag. It's a good idea to include road maps and directions for the first night accommodation as well, in case you and your checked suitcases don't meet up at the other end. Remember that for security reasons you must put any electrical, electronic and metallic items in carry-on bags, never in checked suitcases. Before you fly make a note of the three letter code for your destination airport and then when you check in make sure that code is put on each item of your checked baggage. Food and Drink Shops and restaurants in airports tend to be expensive, often extremely so.