Flights to Carthage, South Dakota from

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be overwhelming. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these tips and tricks and enjoy a pain-free start to your getaway in Carthage. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First things first, pack your passport, important documents, credit cards and vital medications. Next, you'll want some in-flight entertainment to while away the time. A thrilling book and a phone crammed with your favorite movies are some terrific options. If you hope to catch forty winks, a neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones will also be useful. Finally, leave some space for a toothbrush and some cleansing wipes to ensure you step off the plane looking and feeling fresh.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items differs between airlines, the general guide to follow is nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes things like screwdrivers, blades, fuel and fireworks. Sporting equipment like baseball bats, and objects that could harm passengers, such as swords and guns, won't be allowed on board either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your priority when choosing what to wear on your flight. Loose clothing is a sensible option, as are roomy, closed-toe 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.

The secret is to be well prepared before you reach airport security. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Carthage in no time at all. Follow these helpful tips and get your vacation off to a terrific start:

• Have your passport and boarding pass at hand. They're the first items you'll be asked for by airport security.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your belt, coat, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your earphones, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them as your turn draws near.
• All electronic devices, including your phone and tablet, must also be scanned separately.
• Any liquids or gels, such as toothpaste or perfume, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a good footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when going through security. Hiking boots and other heavy-style shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp or pointed objects in the cabin. If you need to bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked baggage.