Flights to Tyonek, Alaska from

If you're not prepared, traveling can be tough. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these helpful hints for a stress-free start to your getaway in Tyonek. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a hassle-free travel experience is to be prepared. First up, the essentials: passport, travel docs, bank cards and any vital medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you busy, like some electronic gadgets 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. Finally, be sure to squeeze in toiletries like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a clean set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items differs between air carriers, the general rule to follow is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, drills, fuels and bleaching agents. Sports equipment like golf clubs, and items that could harm passengers, such as swords and guns, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your number one priority when deciding what to wear on your flight. Loose, breathable clothing is a sensible option, as are flat, slightly roomy shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-distance flights. It's the result of blood clots forming due to poor circulation, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be organized before you reach the security gate. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Tyonek in no time flat. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a terrific start:

• Be sure to keep your passport and boarding pass at hand. They'll be the first things you'll be asked to present to airport security.
• The X-ray machine comes next. Remove anything metal on you that is likely to set off the scanner's alarm. This includes things like headphones or earphones, as well as your coat or jacket. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• All electronic gadgets, including your tablet and phone, must also be scanned.
• Remove liquids and gels from your carry-on bag. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several valuable minutes. Boots and bulky shoes are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on shoes are usually not.
• Pocket knives and other sharp items are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so pack them in your checked bags.