Flights to Forest Lake, Minneapolis - St. Paul from

Wherever you're jetting in from, flying can be a pleasurable experience if you're prepared. Take a peek at these handy hints that will help get your Forest Lake escape started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a worry-free flight experience is to plan ahead. So, let's start with the basics: passport, travel docs, bank cards and daily medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you busy, like your laptop or a few magazines. It's also wise to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earphones. Last but not least, be sure to chuck in toiletries like a toothbrush, deodorant and a spare set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have a pocket knife hiding in the bottom of your hand luggage. Other restricted items include explosive or flammable goods, such as aerosol cans and fuel, and liquids and gels in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to go for comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes in the cabin by layering up, and opt for flat, easy-to-remove footwear like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to walk around the cabin and stretch your legs or do some gentle exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

Being prepared before you get to the airport will make your trip to Forest Lake easy and painless. Below you'll find some top tips for a swift journey past security:

• Airport security personnel first need to check that you have a valid passport and boarding pass before anything else. Keep them close by.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on bag will be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Items such as your jacket, belt and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• Your electronic devices like phones and laptops will also need to go on a tray to be scanned. Don't worry, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Traveling with a new perfume or cologne? As long as the volume is no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a clear zip-lock bag, you can keep it with you in your carry-on.
• It's also possible you'll be required to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a clever idea.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, pack them safely away in your checked baggage. They won't be allowed in the cabin.