Flights to Virden, Illinois from

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be an enjoyable experience if you're well organized. Take a peek at these handy tips and tricks that will help get your Virden escape started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First of all, pack your passport, travel docs, credit cards and medications. Next, you'll need some entertainment to while away the hours. A thrilling novel and a phone crammed with your favorite movies are some wonderful options. If you hope to take a quick snooze, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of earplugs will also come in handy. Finally, leave some space for a toothbrush and some cleansing wipes so you'll hop off the plane looking and feeling fresh.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items differs between air carriers, the general guide to follow is nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, drills, fuels and bleaching agents. Sports equipment like baseball bats, and items that could harm other people, such as pepper spray and firearms, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your main priority when deciding what to wear on your flight. Loose clothing is a sensible option, as are flat, enclosed shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting 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 simple exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be well organized before you arrive at the security gate. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Virden in no time at all. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a flying start:

• Be sure to keep your travel documents and passport handy. They're the first things you'll be asked for by security.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on bag must be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that might set the alarms off. Personal belongings such as your jacket, belt and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• Electronic devices like laptops and phones will also have to go on a tray for inspection. Don't worry though, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Remember to remove liquids and gels from your carry-on bag. They usually 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 in a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a clever footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when going through security. Boots and other bulky shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Knives and other sharp items are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them in your checked suitcase.