Flights to Des Moines, New Mexico from

We've got the lowdown on how to make your journey as pain-free as possible. Follow our tips and you'll be cruising through airport security and enjoying Des Moines in no time flat. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Flying can be a cruisy experience if you've got all the right things. First of all you'll need basic toiletries, such as deodorant and a toothbrush, a spare change of clothes and a few magazines. Next, find room in your bag for your mobile phone, a charger, medications and perhaps a neck pillow as well. Lastly, be sure to take your passport, travel docs and some money.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Put all your full-sized bottles of hair gel and hairspray in your checked baggage. Any liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated. Pointed or sharp objects, like your precious Swiss Army knife, and dangerous goods which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosol cans, spray paint and fireworks, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an airplane are no place for a fashion parade. Layer up with comfortable clothing and go for shoes that are roomy, flat and easy to pull on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clots forming due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be prepared before you arrive at the airport security gate. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Des Moines in next to no time. Follow these helpful tips and get your vacation off to a great start:

• First things first. Your boarding pass and travel ID will need to be presented to security personnel. Have them close by so you don't hold up the line.
• After that, both you and your carry-on bag will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that might set the alarms off. Items such as your belt, coat and earphones need to go through the machine.
• All your electronic devices, including your phone and laptop, must also be scanned separately.
• Want to bring along your favorite hand cream? As long as the volume is no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a zip-close bag, you're permitted to bring it with you on board.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several precious minutes. Hiking or heavy-style boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on shoes usually aren't.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp or pointed objects in your carry-on baggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked luggage.