Flights to New Virginia, Iowa from

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be daunting. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy tips for a worry-free start to your vacation in New Virginia.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a hassle-free flight experience is to pack in advance. First up, the essentials: passport, official ID, bank cards and medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you occupied, like some electronic devices or a good read. It's also a wise idea to bring your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. Last but not least, don't forget to toss in toiletries like a toothbrush, deodorant and a spare change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items can differ between air carriers, the general rule of thumb is avoid carrying anything flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes tools, metal cutlery, aerosol cans and bleaching agents. Sports equipment like hockey sticks, and objects that could harm passengers, such as pepper spray and firearms, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should always be your prime concern when picking what to wear on your flight. Consider your choice of footwear carefully too, as swollen feet are a common occurrence. Flat shoes which are slightly roomy are always a smart option.
• Most travelers have heard about DVT (deep vein thrombosis), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged periods of sitting. There are plenty of ways to mitigate your risk. Wear compression socks, stay well hydrated and get your legs and feet moving. Do a few laps of the cabin or perform exercises in your seat.

The trick is to be prepared before you arrive at the security gate. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to New Virginia in the blink of an eye. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a flying start:

• Security personnel first need to establish that you have a valid ID and matching travel documents before anything else. Have them in your hand, ready for inspection.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on bag will be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Personal belongings such as your belt, coat and headphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from technology. Your laptop, phone and any other electronics will also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Remember to remove liquids and gels from your carry-on luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each item should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you a few precious minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Lightweight sneakers are usually not.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp or pointed objects in your hand luggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked baggage.