Flights to St. Louis, Michigan from

Depending on where you're coming from, your trip to St. Louis could be simple and straightforward or it could drag on forever. We've pulled together some useful tips that will help you start your next unforgettable escape on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First, pack your passport, travel documents, credit cards and vital medications. Next, you'll need some entertainment to while away the time. A thrilling novel and a phone crammed with your favorite shows are some wonderful options. If you intend to take a short nap, a neck pillow and some earplugs will also be useful. Finally, make room for a toothbrush and some cleansing wipes to ensure you hop off the plane looking 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 flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes knives, scissors, aerosol cans and flares. Sports equipment like ski poles, and objects that could injure passengers, such as firearms and swords, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an aircraft are no place for a fashion parade. Layer up with comfortable clothing and opt for shoes that are closed-toe, flat and easy to remove.
• It's likely you've heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by long periods of inactivity. To lessen your risk on board, drink plenty of water, consider wearing compression socks and move your lower limbs often.

The secret is to be organized before you get to security. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to St. Louis before you know it. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a terrific start:

• Security personnel first need to verify that you have a valid passport and matching travel documents before anything else. Have them close by, ready for inspection.
• After that, both you and your carry-on bag will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Personal belongings like your jacket, belt and headphones need to go through the machine.
• All your electronic devices, including your phone and laptop, must also be scanned separately.
• Don't forget to remove gels and liquids from your hand luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray machine 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-close bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several minutes. Boots and heavy shoes are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on sneakers are usually not.
• Knives and other sharp items are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so put them in your checked bags.