Cheap Flights to Alexandria , LA from CA $371

Wherever you're jetting in from, flying can be a pleasurable experience if you're prepared. We've made a list of handy hints that will get your Alexandria vacation started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane ride can be a cruisy experience if you bring the right stuff. Firstly, you'll want some basic toiletry items, such as deodorant and a toothbrush, a spare set of clothes and a few magazines. Secondly, make room in your bag for your phone, tablet and chargers, any daily medications and maybe a cozy neck pillow too. Lastly, and most importantly, don't forget to take your passport, travel documents and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Put all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner in your checked baggage. Any liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) will be confiscated by authorities. Pointed or sharp objects, like your trusty Swiss Army knife, and dangerous products which are explosive or flammable, such as flares, bleaching agents and poisons, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• Choose comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes by donning layers, and opt for flat, enclosed shoes like sneakers.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to walk around the cabin or do some simple exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

The answer is — be prepared. We've rounded up some useful tips for a fuss-free trip through security. Look out Alexandria, here you come:

• Be sure to have your passport and boarding pass easily accessible. They're the first items you'll be asked to show at airport security.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on bag must be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Items such as your jacket, belt and earphones need to go through the machine.
• Your electronic gadgets like phones and laptops will also need to go on a tray to be scanned. No need to worry though, you'll be back online in no time.
• Any liquids or gels, such as hair oil or hand cream, that you want to take on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• It's also possible you'll be asked to remove your shoes for scanning, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a wise idea.
• Airlines will not allow any pocket knives or other sharp items in your hand luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked luggage.