Flights to Virginia, Illinois from

We've got the lowdown on how to make your journey a stress-free experience. Follow our top tips and you'll be breezing through airport security and having a ball in Virginia in no time. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having an amazing flight experience is to pack ahead. So, let's start with the basics: passport, official ID, credit cards and any vital medications. Next, take on board items that'll help keep you busy, like some electronic gadgets or a magazine. You'll also want to bring your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earphones. Last but not least, be sure to squeeze in toiletries like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a clean T-shirt.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have a Swiss Army knife hiding in one of the compartments of your carry-on luggage. Other restricted items include flammable or explosive substances, such as aerosol cans and bleach, and liquids and gels in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of a plane aren't the place for a fashion parade. Layer your clothing and choose shoes that are flat and easy to take on and off.
• The result of lengthy periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect passengers on long-distance flights. Reduce the risks by staying hydrated, keeping your feet and legs moving and wearing compression socks or tights.

The answer is simple — be organized. We've put together some tips and tricks for a hassle-free trip through security. Look out Virginia, here you come:

• Security personnel first need to see that you have a valid passport and boarding pass before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them close by, ready for inspection.
• Next up, both you and your hand luggage must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Personal belongings like your jacket, belt and headphones need to go through the machine.
• All your electronic devices, including your laptop and phone, will also need to be separately scanned.
• Want to bring along your favorite perfume or cologne? No problem. As long as the volume is no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a clear zip-close bag, you're allowed to bring it with you on board.
• There's a good chance you'll be required to remove your shoes for scanning, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a smart idea.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp objects in your hand luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked luggage.