Flights to Marion, North Carolina from

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be challenging. But there's no need to panic. Follow these helpful hints and enjoy a pain-free start to your getaway in Marion. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Firstly, and most importantly, pack your passport, official ID, credit cards and daily medications. Next, you'll want some in-flight entertainment to while away the hours. A juicy book and a tablet crammed with your favorite movies are some great options. If you plan to catch up on some sleep, a quality neck pillow and some earplugs will also be useful. Finally, make room for a few toiletry items to ensure you arrive at your destination feeling fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items can differ between airlines, the general rule to follow is nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes things like tools, metal cutlery, fuels and bleaching agents. Sporting equipment like bows and arrows, and items that could injure passengers, such as pepper spray and firearms, aren't allowed in the cabin either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your highest priority when choosing what to wear on your flight. Loose clothing is a smart choice, as are roomy, closed-toe shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clotting due to poor circulation, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

The answer is simple — be prepared. We've rounded up some tips and tricks for a speedy trip through security. Watch out Marion, here you come:

• Security personnel first need to verify that you have a valid passport and travel documents before anything else. Keep them within easy reach.
• Your jacket, belt, keys and other small items, like coins, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them before your turn.
• All electronic devices, including your phone and tablet, will also need to be scanned.
• Traveling with a new cologne? Not a problem. As long as the volume is no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a zip-close bag, you're permitted to bring it with you in your carry-on.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several minutes. Hiking or heavy-style boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on sneakers usually aren't.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp or pointed objects in the cabin. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked baggage.