Flights to Lancaster, England from

If you're not prepared, airports and flying can be tough. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these tips and tricks and enjoy a worry-free start to your vacation in Lancaster. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First and foremost, pack your passport, travel docs, credit cards and medications. Next, you'll want some entertainment to help pass the time. A thrilling novel and a laptop crammed with your favorite movies are always good options. If you plan to catch forty winks, a neck pillow and some noise-canceling headphones will also be useful. Finally, leave some space for a toothbrush and some cleansing wipes so you'll hop off the plane feeling fresh as a daisy.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have sharp objects (like a pocket knife) lurking in one of the zippers of your hand luggage. Other prohibited items include flammable or explosive goods, like aerosols and matches, and gels and liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an aircraft aren't the place for a fashion parade. Layer up with comfortable clothing and go for shoes that are enclosed, flat and easy to remove.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-distance flights. It's the result of blood clotting due to inactivity and poor circulation, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

The trick is to be organized before you arrive at the security gate. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Lancaster in a flash. Follow these helpful tips and get your vacation off to a fantastic start:

• Keep your boarding pass and ID within close reach. They're the first things you'll be asked for by security.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your coat, belt, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your headphones, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them as your turn draws near.
• All your electronic devices, including your tablet and phone, are also required to be scanned.
• Traveling with your favorite cologne? Not a problem. As long as it's in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a zip-lock bag, you're allowed to bring it with you on board.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several precious minutes. Boots and heavy shoes are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on shoes usually aren't.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp or pointed objects to come on board with you. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked luggage.