Flights to Sumiton, Alabama from

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be testing. But there's no need to worry. Follow these helpful hints for a pleasant start to your getaway in Sumiton. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First and foremost, put in your passport, travel docs, bank cards and daily medications. Next, you'll want some extra in-flight entertainment to while away the time. A juicy novel and a phone crammed with your favorite movies are good options. If you plan to catch a few z's, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of earplugs will also come in handy. Finally, leave space for a toothbrush and some cleansing wipes so you'll hop off the plane feeling fresh as a daisy.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items can differ between air carriers, the general rule of thumb is nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes knives, scissors, fuel and fireworks. Sporting equipment like bows and arrows, and items that could harm passengers, such as swords and guns, won't be allowed on board either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your top priority when deciding what to wear on board. Loose, breathable clothing is a wise choice, as are enclosed shoes like sneakers.
• You've probably heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity. To reduce your risk on board, drink lots of water, consider wearing compression socks or tights and keep your legs and feet moving.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be prepared before you arrive at the security gate. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Sumiton in a flash. Follow these helpful tips and get your vacation off to a great start:

• Be sure to have your ID and boarding pass handy. They're the first things you'll be asked for by airport security.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on bag must be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that might trigger the alarms. Items such as your jacket, belt and headphones need to go through the machine.
• Electronic devices like laptops and phones will also need to go on a tray to be scanned. No need to worry though, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Any gels or liquids, such as toothpaste or perfume, that you want to take on board must be no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• There's a chance you'll be asked to remove your shoes for scanning, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a good idea.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp items or pocket knives in your carry-on luggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked baggage.