Flights to Herculaneum, Missouri from

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be overwhelming. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy hints for a stress-free start to your getaway in Herculaneum.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a great travel experience is to pack in advance. First up, the essentials: passport, boarding pass, bank cards and vital medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you entertained, like your laptop or a magazine. It's also a wise idea to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. Last but not least, don't forget to toss in toiletry items like a toothbrush, lip balm and a fresh set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items differs between air carriers, the general rule of thumb is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes things like screwdrivers, drills, spray paint and flares. Sporting equipment like hockey sticks, and items that could injure passengers, such as pepper spray and guns, aren't allowed in the cabin either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should always be your priority when picking what to wear on board. Consider your choice of footwear with care too, as swollen ankles and feet are a common occurrence. Slightly roomy, flat shoes are always a good idea.
• A condition by the name of DVT (deep vein thrombosis) is a potential risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clots forming due to inactivity and poor circulation. Walking up and down the aisle and doing leg and foot exercises while seated is a great way to prevent this from happening. Wearing a quality pair of compression socks or tights also helps reduce your risk.

Being prepared before you get to the airport will help make your trip to Herculaneum a pleasure. Here are some handy tips for a stress-free journey past security:

• Be sure to have your passport and travel documents close by. They're the first items you'll be asked to show at security.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on luggage will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that might set the alarms off. Items like your belt, coat and earphones need to go through the machine.
• All electronic gadgets, including your phone and laptop, are also required to be scanned separately.
• Any gels or liquids, such as perfume or hairspray, 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-lock bag.
• There's a chance you'll be asked to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a smart idea.
• Sharp or pointed objects (like knives and scissors) are not allowed on board. They'll be seized at security, so put them in your checked bags.