Flights to West Point, Gentry from

Depending on where you're coming from, your trip to West Point could be a breeze or it could drag on forever. We've pulled together some handy hints that will help you start your next unforgettable escape on a positive note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First, put in your passport, important documents, wallet and medications. Next, you'll need some in-flight entertainment to help pass the time. A juicy novel and a laptop crammed with your favorite shows are always good options. If you plan to take a short nap, a neck pillow and some earplugs will also be useful. Finally, leave some space for a toothbrush and some deodorant so you'll step off the plane looking and feeling fresh.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Put all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hairspray in your checked luggage. Any liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated. Pointed or sharp objects, like your trusty pocket knife, and dangerous products which are flammable or explosive, such as spray paint, flares and fireworks, are also prohibited.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your main priority when choosing what to wear on board. Loose clothing is a smart choice, as are enclosed shoes like sneakers.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-distance flights. It results from blood clotting due to inactivity and poor circulation, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

The trick is to be organized before you arrive at the airport security gate. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to West Point in next to no time. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a flying start:

• Keep your boarding pass and ID someplace easily accessible. They're the first items you'll be asked to show at security.
• After that, both you and your hand luggage will be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Personal belongings such as your belt, jacket and earphones need to go through the machine.
• All your electronic devices, including your laptop and phone, must also be scanned separately.
• Remember to remove gels and liquids from your carry-on bag. They often need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you valuable minutes. Hiking or heavy-style boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on shoes usually aren't.
• Knives and other sharp items are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so pack them safely away in your checked baggage.