Flights to Oxford, New York from

If you're not prepared, air travel can be daunting. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these helpful hints for a pain-free start to your vacation in Oxford. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane trip can be a cruisy experience if you've got all the right stuff. Firstly, you'll need basic toiletries, such as a toothbrush and lip balm, a spare set of clothes and a magazine or two. Next, find a spot in your bag for your laptop, a charger, any vital medications and maybe a proper neck pillow too. Last, but definitely not least, remember to take your passport, travel docs and some money.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items differs between air carriers, the general rule of thumb is avoid carrying anything flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes things like screwdrivers, pocket knives, fireworks and fuel. Sports equipment like baseball bats, and items that could injure passengers, such as pepper spray and guns, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• Go for comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes by wearing layers, and wear closed-toe, flat shoes like slip-ons.
• Caused by prolonged periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect some passengers during long flights. Reduce the risks by drinking water, keeping your legs moving and wearing compression socks to help your circulation.

It's simple — be prepared. We've rounded up some tips and tricks for a fuss-free trip through security. Watch out Oxford, here you come:

• Be sure to keep your ID and boarding pass someplace easily accessible. They're the first items you'll be asked to show at airport security.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on bag will be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that might trigger the alarms. Personal belongings like your coat, belt and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• For just a few minutes, you'll have to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, laptop and any other electronic gadgets will also need to go through the scanner.
• Traveling with your favorite cologne or perfume? As long as the volume is no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a clear zip-lock bag, it's OK to bring with you in your carry-on bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a clever footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when passing through security. Boots and other bulky shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• 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 suitcase. They won't be allowed on board and will be confiscated.