Flights to Brooks, Maine from

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be a pleasurable experience if you've prepared well enough. Follow these handy travel tips that will help get your Brooks vacation started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having an amazing travel experience is to pack ahead. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, travel docs, bank cards and any vital medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help pass the time, like your laptop or a good read. It's also smart to bring your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of headphones. Last but not least, don't forget to squeeze in toiletries like a toothbrush, lip balm and a fresh change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

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

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your main concern when choosing what to wear on your flight. Loose, breathable clothing is a smart option, as are enclosed shoes like sneakers.
• Most travelers are aware of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged periods of sitting. To reduce your risk on board, drink lots of water, consider wearing compression socks and do gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat.

The secret is to be well prepared before you reach the security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Brooks in the blink of an eye. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a terrific start:

• Your boarding pass and travel ID will need to be shown to airport security. Keep them within easy reach so you don't hold up the line.
• The X-ray machine comes next. Remove anything metal on you that is likely to set off the scanner's alarm. This includes items like earphones or headphones, as well as bulky coats or jackets. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• Electronic devices like laptops and phones will also have to go on a tray to be scanned. No need to worry though, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Remove liquids and gels from your hand luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you a few precious minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Lightweight sneakers are usually not.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp or pointed objects in your carry-on baggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked baggage.