Flights to Santee, South Carolina from

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be overwhelming. But there's no need to worry. Follow these helpful hints and enjoy a pain-free start to your vacation in Santee. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Air travel can be a stress-free experience if you take the right things. First of all you'll need basic toiletries, such as deodorant and a toothbrush, a fresh set of clothes and a good novel. Secondly, find a spot in your hand luggage for your laptop, a charger, any daily medications and maybe a cozy neck pillow too. Lastly, be sure to take your passport, travel papers and some money.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items can differ between air carriers, the general rule to follow is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, knives, fireworks and fuel. Sporting equipment like ski poles, and objects that could harm passengers, such as firearms and swords, won't be allowed on board either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Go for comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes by layering up, and wear flat, enclosed footwear like sneakers.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by extended periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to wander around the cabin or do some simple exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

Being prepared before your flight will make your trip to Santee a pleasure. Read through our useful tips and tricks for a stress-free journey through security:

• Be sure to keep your passport and travel documents someplace easily accessible. They're the first things you'll be asked to show at airport security.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your jacket, belt, keys and other small items, like coins, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them before your turn.
• All your electronics, including your tablet and phone, must also be scanned.
• Remove gels and liquids from your carry-on luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a practical footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when passing through security. Safety boots and other heavy shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp items or pocket knives in your hand luggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, check them in.