Flights to Taft, California from

If you're not prepared, airports and flying can be a real challenge. But there's no need to panic. Follow these tips and tricks and enjoy a pain-free start to your vacation in Taft. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a stress-free travel experience is to be prepared. Start with the essentials: passport, travel documents, cash and daily medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help while away those hours, like your laptop or a thrilling novel. It's also a wise idea to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earphones. Finally, be sure to pop in toiletry items like a toothbrush, lip balm and a clean set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have sharp objects (like a knife or scissors) hiding in one of the zippers of your hand luggage. Other restricted items include flammable or explosive products, such as bleach and fuel, and liquids and gels in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to go for comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes in the cabin by dressing in layers, and pick flat, slightly roomy shoes like sneakers.
• It's likely you've heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by long periods of inactivity. To lower your risk on board, stay hydrated, consider wearing compression tights or socks and move your lower limbs often.

A little pre-planning before you arrive at the airport will help make your getaway to Taft a piece of cake. Below you'll find some useful tips and tricks for a stress-free journey through security:

• Be sure to keep your passport and travel documents handy. They're the first things you'll be asked for by security.
• After that, both you and your carry-on bag must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Personal belongings such as your coat, belt and headphones need to go through the machine.
• Your electronic gadgets like phones and laptops will also need to go on a tray to be scanned. Don't worry, you'll be back online in no time.
• Can't travel without your favorite cologne or perfume? Not a problem. As long as it's in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a clear zip-lock bag, it's OK to bring with you in your carry-on baggage.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several minutes. Boots and bulky shoes are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Lightweight sneakers usually aren't.
• Sharp items such as knives and scissors are not allowed on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them safely away in your checked baggage.