Flights to Ste-Genevieve, Petit-Canal from

If you're not prepared, airports and flying can be a real challenge. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these tips and tricks and enjoy a trouble-free start to your getaway in Ste-Genevieve. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• It's easy — first, pack your passport, official ID, wallet and medications. Next, you'll need some entertainment to help pass the time. A juicy novel and a laptop crammed with your favorite shows are some wonderful options. If you hope to catch forty winks, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earplugs will also come in handy. Finally, make room for a toothbrush and some deodorant to ensure you hop off the plane feeling fresh as a daisy.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Pack all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner in your checked luggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) won't be allowed on. Pointed or sharp objects, like your trusty Swiss Army knife, and dangerous products which are explosive or flammable, such as flares, chemicals agents and matches, are also prohibited.

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to go for comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes in the cabin by layering up, and pick flat, enclosed footwear like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by lengthy periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Walk around the cabin and give your legs a stretch or do some gentle exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be well organized before you get to the airport security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Ste-Genevieve in a flash. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a fantastic start:

• Security personnel first need to determine that you have a valid passport and matching boarding pass before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them close by, ready for inspection.
• The X-ray machine is up next. Remove anything on you that is likely to set off the scanner's alarm. This includes things like headphones or earphones, as well as your coat or jacket. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• Your electronic gadgets like laptops and phones will also have to go on a tray to be scanned. Don't worry though, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Remove liquids and gels from your hand luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you valuable minutes. Boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on sneakers usually aren't.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp or pointed objects in your carry-on baggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked baggage.