Flights to Grand Rapids, Minnesota from

Wherever you're jetting in from, flying can be a seamless experience if you've planned ahead. Check out these handy travel tips that will help get your Grand Rapids vacation started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Air travel can be a great experience if you pack the right stuff. First of all you'll need toiletry items, such as deodorant and a toothbrush, a fresh change of clothes and a few magazines. Secondly, leave space in your hand luggage for your laptop, a charger, any daily medications and maybe a blow-up neck pillow as well. Last, but definitely not least, remember to take your passport, travel docs and some money.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Squeeze all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner in your checked baggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated. Pointed or sharp objects, like your treasured Swiss Army knife, and dangerous products which are explosive or flammable, such as flares, chemicals agents and matches, are also banned.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an aircraft aren't the place for a fashion parade. Layer up with comfy clothing and go for shoes that are enclosed, flat and easy to take on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to walk around the cabin or do some gentle exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

A little pre-planning before you arrive at the airport will make your trip to Grand Rapids a pleasure. Below are some handy hints for a swift journey through security:

• Security personnel first need to establish that you have a valid passport and travel documents before anything else. Keep them within easy reach.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your belt, coat, keys and other items in your pocket, like your headphones, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them before your turn.
• Your electronic gadgets like phones and laptops will also have to go on a tray to be scanned. Don't worry, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Remove gels and liquids from your carry-on luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• There's a good chance you'll need to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a good idea.
• Sharp items are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so put them in your checked suitcase.