Flights to Aiken, South Carolina from

Depending on where you're coming from, your journey to Aiken could be completely stress-free or it could go on forever. We've compiled some handy tips that will help you start your next great escape on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a stress-free travel experience is to be prepared. First up, the essentials: passport, official ID, credit cards and any vital medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you occupied, like your laptop or a magazine. You'll also want to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earphones. Finally, don't forget to chuck in toiletries like a toothbrush, deodorant and a clean set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items can differ between air carriers, the general rule of thumb is nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, pocket knives, spray paint and flares. Sporting equipment like bows and arrows, and items that could injure passengers, such as firearms and swords, aren't allowed in the cabin either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your highest priority when deciding what to wear during your flight. Loose, breathable clothing is a sensible choice, as are roomy, closed-toe shoes.
• Caused by prolonged periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot condition that can affect some passengers during long-distance flights. Lower your risks by drinking water, keeping your legs and feet moving and wearing compression socks or tights.

Being organized before you arrive at the airport can make your getaway to Aiken a pleasure. We've compiled some useful tips for a speedy journey through security:

• Your travel ID and boarding pass will need to be inspected by airport security personnel. Keep them at hand so you don't hold up the line.
• After that, both you and your hand luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that might trigger the alarms. Items such as your coat, belt and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, laptop and any other electronics will also need to go through the scanner.
• Any gels or liquids, such as perfume or hand cream, that you want to bring on board must be no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one liter), zip-lock bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several minutes. Boots and heavy shoes are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Lightweight sneakers are usually not.
• Sharp items like knives are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so pack them in your checked suitcase.