Flights to Stonington, Connecticut from

Depending on where you're coming from, your trip to Stonington could be no sweat at all or it could drag on forever. Below are some handy hints that will help you start your next unforgettable escape on a positive note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Flying can be a great experience if you take the right gear. Firstly, you'll want a few basic toiletry items, such as lip balm and hand cream, a fresh set of clothes and a good novel. Next, make room in your bag for your laptop, a charger, any vital medications and maybe a neck pillow as well. Last, but definitely not least, don't forget to take your passport, travel docs and some money.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have a sharp object hiding in the bottom of your hand luggage. Other banned items include explosive or flammable products, such as fuel and fireworks, and gels and liquids in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Your goal here is to be as comfortable as possible. Opt for a pair of flat, closed-toe shoes, dress in loose, natural-fiber clothing and don't forget to bring a sweater in case it gets cold in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clots forming due to inactivity and poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

The trick is to be well prepared before you get to the security gate. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Stonington in next to no time. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a terrific start:

• Have your boarding pass and passport someplace easily accessible. They'll be the first things you'll be asked to show at security.
• The X-ray machine comes next. Empty your pockets and remove anything that is likely to set off the alarm. This includes things like headphones or earphones, as well as bulky coats or jackets. They'll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• Your electronic devices like laptops and phones will also have to go through the machine for inspection. Don't worry though, you'll be back online in no time.
• Don't forget to remove gels and liquids from your carry-on luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each item should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you a few precious minutes. Boots and heavy shoes are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on sneakers usually aren't.
• Airlines will not 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.