Flights to Madrid, Phillips from

Wherever you're jetting in from, flying can be a pleasurable experience if you're well prepared. Take a peek at these top travel tips that will get your Madrid vacation started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• It's simple — first, pack your passport, official ID, cash and vital medications. Next, you'll need some entertainment to help pass the time. A thrilling novel and a tablet filled with your favorite movies are always good options. If you hope to take a short snooze, a neck pillow and some earplugs will also be useful. Finally, leave space for a toothbrush and some facial wipes so you'll arrive feeling fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items can differ between airlines, the general guide to follow is nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes things like tools, metal cutlery, aerosol cans and bleaching agents. Sports equipment like ice skates, and items that could harm passengers, such as swords and batons, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your main priority when deciding what to wear on your flight. Loose, breathable clothing is a sensible option, as are flat, slip-on shoes.
• The result of sustained periods of immobility, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot condition that can affect some passengers during long flights. Lower your risks by drinking water, keeping your legs and ankles moving and wearing compression tights or socks.

The secret is to be organized before you arrive at airport security. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Madrid in no time flat. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a spectacular start:

• Have your boarding pass and passport at hand. They're the first items you'll be asked for by security.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your coat, belt, keys and other small items, like coins, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• For just a few moments, you'll have to unplug from the digital world. Your tablet, phone and any other electronic devices will need to be sent through the scanner.
• Remember to remove gels and liquids from your carry-on luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a sensible footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when going through security. Hiking boots and other bulky shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, pack them safely away in your checked suitcase. They won't be allowed in the cabin.