Flights to Roanoke, Alabama from

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be daunting. But there's no need to panic. Follow these useful tips and enjoy a pleasant start to your time in Roanoke. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a pain-free travel experience is to plan ahead. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, boarding pass, bank cards and important medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you busy, like some electronic devices or a few magazines. It's also a wise idea to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. Last but not least, don't forget to chuck in toiletry items like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a fresh change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items differs between airlines, the general guide to follow is nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes tools, metal cutlery, fuels and bleaching agents. Sporting equipment like bows and arrows, and objects that could harm passengers, such as firearms and ammunition, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to go for comfort over style. Prepare for changes in cabin temperature by dressing in layers, and wear flat, slightly roomy footwear like slip-ons.
• Most travelers have heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity. To lower your risk on board, drink lots of water, consider wearing compression socks and move your lower limbs often.

Being prepared before you arrive at the airport will make your trip to Roanoke quick and painless. Below you'll find some top tips for a stress-free journey through security:

• First things first. Your travel documents and ID will need to be presented to airport security. Keep them handy to avoid fumbling around for them.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your jacket, belt, keys and other small items, like your headphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• Your electronic devices like phones and laptops will also need to go on a tray for inspection. Don't worry though, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Remove all liquids and gels from your hand luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each product should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several precious minutes. Hiking or heavy-style boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on shoes are usually not.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, put them in your checked baggage. They won't be allowed on board.