Flights to West Union, Iowa from

Depending on where you're coming from, your journey to West Union could be no sweat at all or it could go on forever. Here are some handy hints that will help you start your next great escape on a positive note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a hassle-free travel experience is to plan ahead. Start with the essentials: passport, official ID, credit cards and important medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help while away those hours, like some electronic devices or a magazine. It's also wise to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. Last but not least, don't forget to toss in toiletry items like a toothbrush, lip balm and a spare change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items can differ between airlines, the general rule to follow is nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes things like screwdrivers, pocket knives, aerosol cans and bleaching agents. Sporting equipment like hockey sticks, and objects that could harm other people, such as swords and guns, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your top priority is to be as comfortable as you can. Go for shoes that are easy to slip on and off, dress in loose, natural fibers and remember to take a jacket in case it gets cold in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Make a point of walking around the cabin or do some gentle exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

A little pre-planning before you arrive at the airport will help make your trip to West Union a piece of cake. We've rounded up some handy tips for a speedy journey through security:

• Security personnel first need to check that you have a valid passport and matching boarding pass before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them in your hand, ready for inspection.
• Your belt, coat, keys and other items in your pocket, like your headphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them as your turn draws near.
• Electronic devices like laptops and phones will also have to go on a tray for inspection. No need to worry though, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Any gels or liquids, such as perfume or hairspray, that you want to bring on board must be no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you valuable minutes. Boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Lightweight sneakers are usually not.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp items or pocket knives in your carry-on luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked baggage.