Flights to Mahopac, New York from

If you're not prepared, air travel can be challenging. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these tips and tricks for a trouble-free start to your time in Mahopac. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having an amazing flight experience is to pack in advance. So, let's start with the basics: passport, travel documents, cash and daily medications. Next, take on board items that'll help keep you busy, like some electronic gadgets or a thrilling novel. It's also smart to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. Finally, be sure to pop in toiletries like a toothbrush, lip balm and a fresh set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Squeeze all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hairspray in your checked baggage. Any liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated. Sharp objects, like your trusty pocket knife, and dangerous goods which are explosive or flammable, such as spray paint, flares and gasoline, are also not allowed.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your goal here is to feel as comfortable as possible. Pick shoes that are easy to slip on and off, dress in loose, natural-fiber clothing and remember to take a pullover in case you get cold in the cabin.
• You're probably aware of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged periods of sitting. To minimize your risk on board, drink plenty of water, consider wearing compression tights or socks and keep your feet and legs moving.

The trick is to be well prepared before you get to the security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Mahopac in no time at all. Follow these helpful tips and get your vacation off to a flying start:

• Keep your travel documents and passport at hand. They're the first things you'll be asked to show at security.
• After that, both you and your carry-on luggage must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that might trigger the alarms. Items such as your belt, coat and earphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your laptop, phone and any other electronic gadgets must also be sent through the scanner.
• Any gels or liquids, such as perfume or toothpaste, that you want to bring 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.
• There's a chance you'll need to remove your shoes for scanning, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a wise idea.
• Sharp or pointed objects (like knives and scissors) can't be taken on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so put them in your checked baggage.