I guess this is a legitimate question, but this OP really know nothing about air travel. Planes don't even have real tickets anymore, it's all just an e-ticket, not something that can "hold on to".
If you're coming back here, Deena, you basically print out your e-ticket confirmation, show it to the check-in desk, and they will give you a boarding pass to fly. This is also where you check your bags, but it's not recommended because checking bags on all flights within North America cost extra money. You have to pass through security before getting to the boarding gates. After that, it's self-explanatory.
Don't bring lots of bags on a plane because they'll fine you dozens of dollars if it's slightly oversized or overweight. If you have lots of bags, take Amtrak or Greyhound. If you're flying international and ground transport is not an option, fly an airline from another country, they usually have larger baggage allowances.