Flights to Hopkins, Michigan from

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be challenging. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy hints for a trouble-free start to your time in Hopkins. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a great travel experience is to plan ahead. Start with the essentials: passport, boarding pass, credit cards and important medications. Next, take on board items that'll help keep you entertained, like some electronic gadgets or a few magazines. It's also smart to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. And of course, be sure to pop in toiletries like a toothbrush, lip balm and a fresh change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items can differ between air carriers, the general rule to follow is nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes box cutters, razor blades, aerosol cans and flares. Sports equipment like golf clubs, and objects that could injure passengers, such as guns and swords, won't be allowed on board either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your top priority is to be as comfortable as you can. Choose shoes that are easy to pull on and off, dress in loose, breathable clothing and remember to take a sweater in case it gets cold in the cabin.
• Most of us have heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by long periods of sitting. To reduce your risk on board, drink plenty of water, consider wearing compression tights or socks and move your legs and feet often.

Being prepared before you get to the airport will make your trip to Hopkins a piece of cake. Below you'll find some handy hints for a speedy journey past security:

• First things first. Your travel documents and ID will need to be presented to airport security personnel. Keep them someplace accessible so you don't hold up the line.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your coat, belt, keys and other items in your pocket, like your headphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them before your turn arrives.
• Electronic devices like phones and laptops will also have to go through the machine to be scanned. Don't worry though, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Any gels or liquids, such as perfume or hairspray, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one liter), zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you a few precious minutes. Boots and bulky shoes are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on shoes usually aren't.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, pack them safely away in your checked luggage. They won't be allowed in the cabin.