Flights to Hamden, Connecticut from

We've got the lowdown on how to make your flight as pain-free as possible. Follow our tips and you'll be zooming through the airport and discovering Hamden in no time flat. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• It's simple — first, pack your passport, official ID, credit cards and vital medications. Next, you'll need some extra in-flight entertainment to while away the hours. A thrilling novel and a laptop filled with your favorite movies are always good options. If you intend to take a short nap, a quality neck pillow and some earplugs will also be useful. Finally, find room for a toothbrush and some cleansing wipes so you'll arrive at your destination looking fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items can differ between air carriers, the general rule of thumb is nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes tools, metal cutlery, aerosol cans and flares. Sporting equipment like ski poles, and objects that could injure passengers, such as firearms and swords, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your aim here is to be as comfortable as possible. Go for a pair of flat, closed-toe shoes, dress in loose, natural-fiber clothing and remember to take a pullover in case it gets cold in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-distance flights. It's the result of 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.

Being prepared before your flight will make your trip to Hamden a pleasure. We've compiled some useful tips and tricks for a speedy journey through security:

• Airport security personnel first need to verify that you have a valid passport and matching boarding pass before anything else. Keep them close by.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that might set the alarms off. Personal belongings such as your belt, jacket and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• For just a few moments, you'll have to unplug from technology. Your tablet, phone and any other electronic devices must also go through the scanner.
• Can't travel without your favorite hand and nail cream? Not a problem. As long as it's in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a zip-close bag, it's fine to bring with you on board.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several minutes. Boots and bulky shoes are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on sneakers 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 in your checked baggage.