Flights to Sparta, North Carolina from

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be an enjoyable experience if you've prepared well enough. We've made a list of handy tips that will help get your Sparta escape started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Flying can be a great experience if you bring the right stuff. Firstly, you'll want a few basic toiletries, such as a toothbrush and some deodorant, a spare change of clothes and a good book. Next, leave space in your carry-on bag for your phone and charger, your medications and perhaps a blow-up neck pillow too. Lastly, don't forget to bring your passport, travel docs and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items differs between air carriers, the general guide to follow is nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, pocket knives, fuels and bleaching agents. Sports equipment like ice skates, and items that could harm passengers, such as pepper spray and guns, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your main concern when choosing what to wear on your flight. Loose, breathable clothing is a smart option, as are roomy, closed-toe shoes.
• Caused by sustained periods of immobility, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect some passengers during long-distance flights. Reduce the risks by staying hydrated, keeping your legs and ankles moving and wearing compression socks to help your circulation.

Being prepared before your flight will make your getaway to Sparta a pleasure. Here are some useful tips and tricks for a swift journey past security:

• Be sure to keep your travel documents and passport at hand. They're the first things you'll be asked for by security.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your belt, jacket, keys and other items in your pocket, like coins, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them as your turn draws near.
• All electronic devices, including your tablet and phone, must also be separately scanned.
• Remove gels and liquids from your carry-on bag. They often need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each product should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• It's also likely that you'll be required to remove your shoes for scanning, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a wise idea.
• Knives and other sharp items are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so pack them in your checked baggage.