Flights to Devens, Harvard from

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be daunting. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these useful tips for a pain-free start to your vacation in Devens. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane trip can be a cruisy experience if you bring the right stuff. First of all you'll need toiletry items, such as lip balm and hand cream, a spare pair of socks and a good book. Next, leave space in your carry-on bag for your laptop, a charger, any medications and maybe a neck pillow as well. Lastly, and most importantly, remember to bring your passport, travel docs and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items differs between air carriers, the general rule to follow is nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, drills, aerosol cans and flares. Sporting equipment like bows and arrows, and objects that could injure passengers, such as guns and swords, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your goal here is to be as comfortable as you can. Go for easy-to-remove footwear, dress in loose, natural-fiber clothing and don't forget to bring a jacket in case it gets chilly in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-distance flights. It's the result of blood clotting due to inactivity and poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

Being organized before you arrive at the airport will make your trip to Devens quick and painless. We've compiled some top tips for a stress-free journey through security:

• Your passport and boarding pass will need to be presented to airport security personnel. Have them easily accessible so you don't hold up the line.
• Next up is the X-ray machine. Remove anything on you that is likely to beep. This includes items like headphones or earphones, as well as bulky coats or jackets. They'll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• All electronic devices, including your tablet and phone, are also required to be scanned separately.
• Traveling with your favorite perfume? No problem. As long as the volume is no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a zip-close bag, you can bring it with you in your carry-on bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a good footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when going through security. Boots and other heavy shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp items or pocket knives in your carry-on luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked luggage.