Flights to Eau Claire, Columbia from

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be a pleasurable experience if you prepare well enough. We've put together a list of handy hints that will get your Eau Claire escape started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a stress-free travel experience is to pack ahead. First up, the essentials: passport, official ID, bank cards and medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you busy, like your laptop or a good read. It's also smart to bring your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. And of course, be sure to squeeze in toiletry items like a toothbrush, lip balm and a spare set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have a sharp object hiding in your carry-on luggage. Other banned items include explosive or flammable goods, such as bleach and fuel, and gels and liquids in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an aircraft are no place for a fashion parade. Layer your clothing and opt for shoes that are flat, roomy and easy to take on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Make a point of walking around the cabin or do some simple exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be prepared before you get to the security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Eau Claire in a flash. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a spectacular start:

• Your travel documents and ID will need to be presented to security personnel. Have them easily accessible so you don't have to dig around for them.
• Next up, both you and your hand luggage must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Personal belongings such as your jacket, belt and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your phone and laptop, will also need to be scanned separately.
• Any gels or liquids, such as shampoo or hairspray, that you want to bring on board must be no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a sensible footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when passing through security. Boots and other heavy-style shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Airlines won't allow any pocket knives or other sharp items in your hand luggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked baggage.