Flights to Van Meter, Iowa from

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you've planned ahead. We've compiled a list of handy tips and tricks that will help get your Van Meter vacation started on the right note.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a stress-free travel experience is to plan ahead. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, boarding pass, cash and vital medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you entertained, like some electronic devices or a few magazines. You'll also want to bring your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. And of course, be sure to toss in toiletry items like a toothbrush, deodorant and a spare set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Pack all your full-sized bottles of hair gel and hairspray in your checked luggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated. Pointed or sharp objects, like your treasured pocket knife, and products which are explosive or flammable, such as aerosols and poisons, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your number one priority is to make yourself as comfortable as possible. Layer up in natural-fiber clothing and remember to pack a pullover in case it gets chilly in the cabin. Pick a pair of roomy, flat shoes as it's possible that your feet and ankles will swell a little during the journey. Leave the stilettos and chunky boots in your checked baggage.
• A serious condition known as DVT (deep vein thrombosis) can pose a risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clotting due to inactivity and poor circulation. Doing regular foot and leg exercises while seated helps to prevent this occurring. Wearing a high-quality pair of compression socks is also recommended.

The secret is to be well prepared before you get to the security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Van Meter in next to no time. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a fantastic start:

• Security personnel first need to make sure that you have a valid passport and matching travel documents before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them close by, ready for inspection.
• The X-ray machine is up next. Empty your pockets and remove anything metal that is likely to beep. This includes items like headphones or earphones, as well as your coat or jacket. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from technology. Your phone, tablet and any other electronic gadgets will also need to go through the scanner.
• Remove all gels and liquids from your hand luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray machine 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-lock bag.
• There's a possibility that you'll be asked to take your shoes off to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a clever idea.
• Airlines won't allow any pocket knives or other sharp items in your hand luggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked luggage.