Flights to Altoona, Des Moines from

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you've prepared well enough. Take a peek at these essential travel tips that will help get your Altoona escape started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a worry-free travel experience is to pack ahead. First up, the essentials: passport, official ID, cash and vital medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you entertained, like some electronic gadgets or a thrilling book. It's also wise to bring your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of earphones. And of course, don't forget to pop in toiletry items like a toothbrush, lip balm and a fresh change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have a pocket knife lurking in one of the zippers of your carry-on luggage. Other restricted items include flammable or explosive substances, such as aerosol cans and fuel, and gels and liquids in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Choose comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes by donning layers, and pick flat, enclosed shoes like slip-ons.
• It's likely you've heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by long periods of sitting. To lessen your risk on board, stay hydrated, consider wearing compression socks or tights and move your legs and feet often.

It's easy — be prepared. We've compiled some useful tips for an easy trip through airport security. Look out Altoona, here you come:

• Security personnel first need to determine that you have a valid ID and travel documents before you can proceed any further. Have them in your hand, ready for inspection.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on bag must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Items like your jacket, belt and earphones need to go through the machine.
• Your electronic gadgets like phones and laptops will also need to go on a tray to be scanned. Don't worry though, you'll be back online in no time.
• Remove gels and liquids from your carry-on bag. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several valuable minutes. Boots and heavy shoes are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Lightweight sneakers are usually not.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, pack them in your checked baggage. They won't be allowed on board.