Flights to St. Charles, Minnesota from

If you're not prepared, air travel can be a real challenge. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these helpful hints and enjoy a pleasant start to your time in St. Charles. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Flying can be easy if you pack the right things. First things first, you'll need basic toiletries, such as toothpaste, a toothbrush and some deodorant, a clean set of clothes and a few magazines. Secondly, make room in your bag for your mobile phone, a charger, any vital medications and perhaps a proper neck pillow too. Lastly, and most importantly, remember to take your passport, travel docs and some money.

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 gels or liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by authorities. Sharp or pointed objects, like your trusty Swiss Army knife, and dangerous products which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosol cans, flares and poisons, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of a plane are no place for a fashion parade. Dress in comfortable layers and opt for shoes that are enclosed, flat and easy to pull on and off.
• Most travelers have heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by long periods of sitting. To reduce your risk on board, drink lots of water, consider wearing compression socks or tights and keep your feet and legs moving.

The trick is to be well organized before you arrive at airport security. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to St. Charles in no time at all. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a flying start:

• Keep your ID and travel documents at hand. They're the first things you'll be asked for by airport security.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your coat, belt, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your earphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them before your turn.
• All electronic gadgets, including your phone and tablet, will also need to be scanned.
• Any liquids or gels, such as toothpaste or perfume, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several valuable 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, put them in your checked luggage.