Flights to Bloomfield, Missouri from

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be an enjoyable experience if you've prepared well. We've compiled a list of essential travel tips that will get your Bloomfield escape started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having an amazing flight experience is to plan ahead. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, travel docs, bank cards and vital medications. Next, take on board items that'll help keep you busy, like some electronic gadgets or a good book. It's also smart to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of headphones. And of course, be sure to toss in toiletry items like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a spare change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have a Swiss Army knife lurking in the bottom of your hand luggage. Other prohibited items include explosive or flammable substances, such as aerosol cans and fuel, and liquids and gels in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your highest priority when choosing what to wear during your flight. Loose, breathable clothing is a smart option, as are flat, slip-on shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clotting due to inactivity and poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

The trick is to be well prepared before you get to the airport security gate. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Bloomfield in a flash. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a terrific start:

• Be sure to have your travel documents and passport handy. They're the first things you'll be asked to show at security.
• The X-ray machine is up next. Empty your pockets and remove anything that is likely to set off the scanner's alarm. This includes items like earphones or headphones, as well as heavy coats or jackets. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• All your electronic devices, including your phone and laptop, must also be separately scanned.
• Any liquids or gels, such as hair oil or hand cream, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you a few precious minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Lightweight sneakers are usually not.
• Knives and other sharp items are not allowed on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them in your checked luggage.