Flights to Merkel, Texas from

If you're not prepared, traveling can be daunting. But there's no need to panic. Follow these helpful hints for a pain-free start to your getaway in Merkel. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• It's easy — first, pack in your passport, travel docs, credit cards and vital medications. Next, you'll want some extra in-flight entertainment to help pass the time. A thrilling book and a laptop crammed with your favorite shows are some wonderful options. If you plan to catch forty winks, a neck pillow and some earplugs will also be useful. Finally, find room for a few toiletry items to ensure you arrive looking fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Leave all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner in your checked luggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) won't be allowed on. Sharp objects, like your pocket knife, and dangerous goods which are explosive or flammable, such as spray paint, flares and matches, are also banned.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your top priority when deciding what to wear on your flight. Loose, breathable clothing is a sensible option, as are flat, slightly roomy shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potential risk on long-haul 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 tights or socks.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be prepared before you arrive at airport security. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Merkel in no time at all. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a terrific start:

• Keep your ID and boarding pass within close reach. They're the first things you'll be asked for by airport security.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on bag must be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Items such as your belt, jacket and headphones need to go through the machine.
• All your electronics, including your tablet and phone, will also need to be scanned.
• Any liquids or gels, such as hair oil or hand cream, that you want to take on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• There's a chance you'll need to remove your shoes for scanning, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a smart idea.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, pack them safely away in your checked baggage. They won't be allowed in the cabin.