Flights to Alton, Iowa from

Wherever you're jetting in from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you've planned ahead. Follow these handy travel tips that will get your Alton escape started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Flying can be easy if you carry the right gear. First of all you'll need basic toiletries, such as lip balm and hand cream, a clean pair of socks and a good novel. Next, find a spot in your bag for your laptop, a charger, any medications and perhaps a blow-up neck pillow as well. Lastly, and most importantly, remember to bring your passport, travel documents and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items can differ between air carriers, the general rule of thumb is nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes knives, scissors, fuels and bleaching agents. Sporting equipment like hockey sticks, and items that could harm other people, such as guns and swords, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your main priority when choosing what to wear on your flight. Loose clothing is a smart option, as are flat, slip-on shoes.
• You're probably aware of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by long periods of sitting. To minimize your risk on board, stay hydrated, consider wearing compression socks and move your legs and feet often.

A little pre-planning before you get to the airport can make your trip to Alton quick and painless. Here are some top tips for a swift journey through security:

• Be sure to keep your travel documents and passport easily accessible. They'll be the first things you'll be asked for by security.
• After that, both you and your carry-on luggage must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that might trigger the alarms. Items such as your jacket, belt and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• All electronic gadgets, including your phone and tablet, must also be scanned separately.
• Traveling with your favorite perfume or cologne? Not a problem. As long as the volume is no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a zip-close bag, it's fine to bring with you in your carry-on luggage.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you valuable minutes. Hiking or heavy-style boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on sneakers usually aren't.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, put them in your checked luggage. They won't be allowed on board and will be confiscated.