Flights to Macatawa, Michigan from

Depending on where you're coming from, your journey to Macatawa could be as easy as pie or it could drag on forever. We've put together some useful hints that will help you start your next unforgettable escape on a positive note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Traveling on a plane can be easy if you take the right things. First things first, you'll need toiletry items, such as lip balm and hand cream, a spare change of clothes and a magazine or two. Next, leave space in your hand luggage for your phone, tablet and chargers, medications and perhaps a blow-up neck pillow as well. Last, but definitely not least, be sure to take your passport, travel docs and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items can differ between air carriers, the general rule of thumb is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes tools, metal cutlery, fuels and bleaching agents. Sporting equipment like golf clubs, and items that could harm other people, such as swords and guns, won't be allowed on board either.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an airplane are no place for a fashion parade. Dress in comfortable layers and pick shoes that are flat and easy to take on and off.
• Most travelers are aware of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity. To lower your risk on board, drink plenty of water, consider wearing compression socks and do gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be organized before you get to the security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Macatawa in no time at all. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a flying start:

• Security personnel first need to establish that you have a valid passport and matching boarding pass before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them ready for inspection.
• After that, both you and your carry-on luggage will be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that might trigger the alarms. Items like your belt, coat and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• For just a few moments, you'll have to unplug from the digital world. Your tablet, phone and any other electronics also need to go through the scanner.
• Any liquids or gels, such as lip balm or cologne, that you want to take on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• There's a possibility that you'll be asked to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a wise idea.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp objects to come on board with you. If you must bring these kinds of items, check them in.