Flights to Wellington, Texas from

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be challenging. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these helpful hints for a stress-free start to your vacation in Wellington. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane ride can be a comfortable experience if you pack the right things. Firstly, you'll want a few basic toiletry items, such as lip balm and hand cream, a clean set of clothes and something to read. Secondly, find room in your hand luggage for your phone, tablet and chargers, medications and perhaps a comfy neck pillow as well. Last, but definitely not least, be sure to bring your passport, travel papers and some money.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have sharp objects (like a knife or scissors) lurking in one of the zippers of your carry-on luggage. Other banned items include flammable or explosive goods, such as aerosol cans and bleach, and gels and liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your number one priority when deciding what to wear during your flight. Loose, breathable clothing is a sensible option, as are flat, slightly roomy shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by lengthy periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to walk around the cabin or do some gentle exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be prepared before you reach the airport security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Wellington in next to no time. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a terrific start:

• First things first. Your passport and boarding pass will need to be shown to airport security personnel. Keep them within easy reach so you don't hold up the line.
• After that, both you and your carry-on luggage must 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.
• All your electronic devices, including your tablet and phone, are also required to be scanned separately.
• Any liquids or gels, such as lip balm or cologne, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one liter), zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a sensible footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when passing through security. Safety boots and other heavy-style shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, pack them in your checked suitcase. They won't be allowed on board and will be confiscated.