Flights to Bement, Illinois from

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be daunting. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these tips and tricks and enjoy a worry-free start to your time in Bement. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having an awesome travel experience is to pack in advance. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, travel documents, bank cards and vital medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you busy, like your laptop or a magazine. It's also a wise idea to bring your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. Finally, be sure to squeeze in toiletries like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a clean set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items differs between air carriers, the general rule of thumb is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes things like screwdrivers, drills, fuels and bleaching agents. Sporting equipment like golf clubs, and items that could harm other people, such as firearms and swords, won't be allowed on board either.

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to go for comfort over style. Prepare for changes in temperature by wearing layers, and opt for flat, slightly roomy shoes like sneakers.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to wander around the cabin or do some simple exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

The secret is to be prepared before you reach security. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Bement before you know it. Follow these helpful tips and get your vacation off to a terrific start:

• Be sure to keep your boarding pass and ID handy. They're the first things you'll be asked for by security.
• Your belt, jacket, 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 as it gets closer to your turn.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your phone and tablet, will also need to be scanned separately.
• Remember to remove liquids and gels from your carry-on bag. They often need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a clever footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when passing through security. Boots and other bulky shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp items or pocket knives in the cabin. If you must bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked luggage.