Flights to Black Mountain, North Carolina from

If you're not prepared, airports and flying can be tough. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these tips and tricks for a pain-free start to your vacation in Black Mountain. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First, pack your passport, travel documents, credit cards and medications. Next, you'll need some entertainment to while away the time. A thrilling novel and a tablet crammed with your favorite shows are some fantastic options. If you plan to catch up on some sleep, a neck pillow and a pair of earplugs will also be useful. Finally, make room for a few toiletry items to ensure you hop off the plane looking and feeling fresh.

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 avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, blades, fuel and fireworks. Sporting equipment like ski poles, and objects that could harm passengers, such as pepper spray and firearms, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an airplane are no place for a fashion parade. Layer your clothing and go for shoes that are enclosed, flat and easy to remove.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-distance flights. It results from blood clots forming due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

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

• Your passport and boarding pass will need to be presented to security personnel. Have them easily accessible so you don't have to dig around for them.
• After that, both you and your carry-on bag must be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Personal belongings such as your jacket, belt and earphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few moments, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, laptop and any other electronic gadgets must also go through the scanner.
• Any liquids or gels, such as perfume or toothpaste, that you want to take on board must be no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• There's a possibility that you'll be asked to remove your shoes for scanning, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a wise idea.
• Knives and other sharp items are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so put them in your checked suitcase.