Flights to St. Ansgar, Iowa from

If you're not prepared, air travel can be tough. But there's no need to worry. Follow these tips and tricks for a worry-free start to your vacation in St. Ansgar. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane ride can be a cruisy experience if you carry the right gear. Firstly, you'll need basic toiletries, such as a toothbrush and lip balm, a spare change of clothes and a good book. Secondly, make room in your bag for your phone and charger, any vital medications and maybe a blow-up neck pillow as well. Last, but definitely not least, don't forget to take your passport, travel papers and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items differs between airlines, the general rule to follow is avoid carrying anything flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes tools, metal cutlery, fuel and fireworks. Sports equipment like golf clubs, and objects that could injure passengers, such as swords and guns, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your top priority is to be as comfortable as you can. Choose a pair of flat, closed-toe shoes, dress in loose, natural-fiber clothing and remember to bring a jacket in case you get cold in the cabin.
• The result of lengthy periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect some passengers during long-haul flights. Lower your risks by staying hydrated, keeping your feet and legs moving and wearing compression socks to help improve your circulation.

The trick is to be prepared before you get to airport security. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to St. Ansgar in no time flat. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a terrific start:

• First things first. Your travel documents and ID will need to be presented to airport security. Have them close by so you don't hold up the queue.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on luggage must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that might set the alarms off. Personal belongings such as your coat, belt and earphones need to go through the machine.
• Electronic devices like phones and laptops will also have to go on a tray for inspection. Don't worry though, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Don't forget to remove liquids and gels from your carry-on luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray 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-close bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you a few precious minutes. Hiking or heavy-style boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Lightweight sneakers usually aren't.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp items or pocket knives to come on board with you. If you need to bring these kinds of items, check them in.