Flights to Panama City Beach, from

If you're not prepared, air travel can be tough. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy tips for a comfortable start to your vacation in Panama City Beach. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• It's simple — first, pack your passport, official ID, wallet and vital medications. Next, you'll need some entertainment to while away the time. A juicy novel and a phone filled with your favorite movies are some wonderful options. If you intend to catch a few z's, a comfy neck pillow and some earplugs will also be useful. Finally, find room for a toothbrush and some deodorant so you'll arrive feeling fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Put all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hairspray in your checked luggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by authorities. Sharp or pointed objects, like your trusty Swiss Army knife, and dangerous products which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosols and fireworks, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of a plane aren't the place for a fashion parade. Layer up with comfortable clothing and go for shoes that are roomy, flat and easy to slip on and off.
• Caused by sustained periods of immobility, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect passengers on long-haul flights. Reduce the risks by staying hydrated, keeping your lower limbs moving and 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 Panama City Beach in no time at all. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a fantastic start:

• Your boarding pass and passport will need to be presented to airport security. Keep them within easy reach to avoid fumbling around for them.
• The X-ray machine comes next. Remove anything on you that is likely to set off the scanner's alarm. This includes items like earphones or headphones, as well as your coat or jacket. They'll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• For just a few moments, you'll have to unplug from technology. Your phone, laptop and any other electronic devices will need to go through the scanner.
• Don't forget to remove liquids and gels from your carry-on bag. They often need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each product 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.
• There's a chance you'll need to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a clever idea.
• Knives and other sharp items are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so put them in your checked suitcase.