Flights to Eketahuna, Manawatū-Whanganui from

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be a seamless experience if you're prepared. Take a peek at these handy tips and tricks that will help get your Eketahuna vacation started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a pain-free travel experience is to be prepared. So, let's start with the basics: passport, official ID, credit cards and important medications. Next, take on board items that'll help pass the time, like some electronic gadgets or a few magazines. It's also smart to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earphones. Finally, be sure to pop in toiletries like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a spare change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Squeeze all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner in your checked baggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by security. Sharp objects, like your treasured Swiss Army knife, and dangerous goods which are flammable or explosive, such as spray paint, flares and gasoline, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your top priority when choosing what to wear during your flight. Loose clothing is a sensible option, as are flat, slip-on shoes.
• Caused by lengthy periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect some passengers during long-distance flights. Reduce the risks by drinking water, keeping your lower limbs moving and wearing compression socks to help your circulation.

A little pre-planning before your flight can make your getaway to Eketahuna a piece of cake. Here are some handy hints for a swift journey past security:

• Be sure to keep your travel documents and passport easily accessible. They're the first items you'll be asked to present to security.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your belt, coat, keys and other small items, like coins, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them before your turn arrives.
• For just a few minutes, you'll have to unplug from the digital world. Your tablet, phone and any other electronic devices will need to go through the scanner.
• Any gels or liquids, such as toothpaste or perfume, that you want to bring 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-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a clever footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when going through security. Safety boots and other bulky shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp items or pocket knives in the cabin. If you must bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked baggage.