Flights to Monroe, Virginia from

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be challenging. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these useful tips and enjoy a stress-free start to your vacation in Monroe. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• It's easy — first, pack your passport, travel docs, cash and daily medications. Next, you'll need some extra in-flight entertainment to while away the time. A thrilling book and a phone filled with your favorite shows are always good options. If you intend to catch forty winks, a comfy neck pillow and some noise-canceling headphones will also be useful. Finally, make room for a few toiletry items to ensure you arrive feeling fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have sharp objects (like a knife or scissors) lurking in the bottom of your hand luggage. Other restricted items include explosive or flammable goods, like aerosols and matches, and liquids and gels in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an airplane are no place for a fashion parade. Don comfortable layers and go for shoes that are flat, enclosed and easy to pull on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by extended periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Make a point of walking around the cabin or do some simple exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

The secret is to be well organized before you get to security. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Monroe before you know it. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a flying start:

• Have your boarding pass and passport within close reach. They're the first things you'll be asked to show at airport security.
• Next up, both you and your hand luggage will be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that might trigger the alarms. Personal belongings such as your belt, coat and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• All your electronics, including your laptop and phone, will also need to be scanned separately.
• Traveling with your favorite hand and nail cream? No problem. As long as the volume is no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a zip-lock bag, you're permitted to bring it with you on board.
• Slip-on shoes are a sensible footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when passing through security. Safety boots and heavier-style shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Sharp or pointed items can't be taken on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them safely away in your checked baggage.