Cheap Flights to Atlanta from CA $106

If you're not prepared, airports and flying can be a real challenge. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy tips for a comfortable start to your vacation in Atlanta. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a great flight experience is to pack ahead. First up, the essentials: passport, official ID, credit cards and vital medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you entertained, like some electronic devices or a thrilling novel. It's also smart to bring your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. Last but not least, be sure to squeeze in toiletry items like a toothbrush, lip balm and a spare set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items differs between air carriers, the general rule to follow is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes tools, metal cutlery, aerosol cans and bleaching agents. Sporting equipment like hockey sticks, and items that could harm other people, such as firearms and swords, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an aircraft aren't the place for a fashion parade. Layer up with comfortable clothing and choose shoes that are enclosed, flat and easy to pull on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-distance flights. It results from blood clots forming due to inactivity and poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

It's easy — be prepared. We've put together some helpful hints for an easy trip through security. Watch out Atlanta, here you come:

• Your passport and boarding pass will need to be inspected by airport security personnel. Keep them within easy reach so you don't have to dig around for them.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your coat, belt, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your headphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them before your turn.
• All electronic gadgets, including your tablet and phone, must also be separately scanned.
• Remember to remove gels and liquids from your hand luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each product should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit inside a single quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several precious minutes. Hiking or heavy-style boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on shoes are usually not.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp or pointed objects in the cabin. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked luggage.