Flights to Alton, Missouri from

We've got the lowdown on how to make your flight a pleasant experience. Follow our top tips and you'll be breezing through the airport and having a blast in Alton in no time flat. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• It's easy — first, pack your passport, official ID, wallet and vital medications. Next, you'll want some in-flight entertainment to help pass the time. A thrilling book and a tablet crammed with your favorite shows are some fantastic options. If you hope to catch forty winks, a neck pillow and some earplugs will also come in handy. Finally, make room for a few toiletry items so you'll arrive at your destination feeling fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have sharp or pointed objects hiding in your hand luggage. Other banned items include explosive or flammable substances, such as fuel and fireworks, and liquids and gels in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an aircraft aren't the place for a fashion parade. Layer up with comfy clothing and choose shoes that are flat, roomy and easy to remove.
• Caused by sustained periods of immobility, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect passengers during long flights. Lower your risks by drinking water, keeping your lower limbs moving and wearing compression socks to help improve your circulation.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be organized before you arrive at the security gate. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Alton in no time flat. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a terrific start:

• Be sure to have your ID and boarding pass close by. They're the first items you'll be asked to show at airport security.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your coat, belt, keys and other small items, like your earphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them before your turn arrives.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your laptop and phone, are also required to be scanned.
• Traveling with a new cologne or perfume? As long as it's in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a clear zip-lock bag, it's OK to bring with you on board.
• Lightweight sneakers are a clever footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when going through security. Big boots and other bulky shoes are usually subjected to extra screening.
• Airlines will not allow any pocket knives or other sharp items in your carry-on baggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked luggage.