Flights to Southwest Harbor, Maine from

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be tough. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these useful tips and enjoy a pleasant start to your vacation in Southwest Harbor. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a hassle-free travel experience is to be prepared. Start with the essentials: passport, travel docs, credit cards and important medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you occupied, like your laptop or a thrilling book. You'll also want 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 toiletries like a toothbrush, lip balm and a fresh change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Pack all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hair gel in your checked luggage. Any liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by authorities. Sharp objects, like your Swiss Army knife, and dangerous products which are explosive or flammable, such as spray paint, flares and matches, are also banned.

What to wear on a flight:

• Go for comfort over style. Prepare for changes in temperature by wearing layers, and wear closed-toe, flat shoes like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-distance flights. It's the result of blood clotting due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

The secret is to be prepared before you arrive at security. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Southwest Harbor in no time at all. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a fantastic start:

• Security personnel first need to verify that you have a valid ID and matching boarding pass before you can proceed any further. Have them close by, ready for inspection.
• Next up is the X-ray machine. Empty your pockets and remove anything metal that is likely to set off the alarm. This includes items like earphones or headphones, as well as bulky coats or jackets. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• All your electronic devices, including your phone and tablet, are also required to be separately scanned.
• Any gels or liquids, such as lip balm or cologne, that you want to bring on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• There's a chance you'll be required to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a wise idea.
• 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.