Cheap Flights to Birds , IL from CA $351

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be a real challenge. But there's no need to worry. Follow these handy hints and enjoy a comfortable start to your vacation in Birds. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• It's easy — first, put in your passport, official ID, bank cards and vital medications. Next, you'll need some in-flight entertainment to while away the time. A thrilling novel and a tablet crammed with your favourite shows are some wonderful options. If you plan to catch more than just forty winks, a neck pillow and a pair of noise-cancelling headphones will also be useful. Finally, leave space for a few toiletry items so you'll touchdown feeling fresh as a daisy.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items differs between airlines, the general rule to follow is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes box cutters, razor blades, aerosol cans and flares. Sporting equipment like ski poles, and items that could harm other people, such as guns and swords, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• Choose comfort over style. Prepare for changes in cabin temperature by donning layers, and opt for flat, easy-to-remove shoes like slip-ons.
• The result of lengthy periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect passengers on long-haul flights. Lower your risks by drinking water, keeping your ankles and legs moving and wearing compression socks to help your circulation.

A little pre-planning before your flight will help make your getaway to Birds a breeze. We've rounded up some handy tips and tricks for a speedy journey past security:

• Keep your ID and travel documents easily accessible. They're the first items you'll be asked to present to security.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your coat, belt, keys and other items in your pocket, like coins, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them as your turn draws near.
• Your electronic gadgets like phones and laptops will also need to go on a tray to be scanned. Don't worry though, you'll be back online in no time.
• Remove all liquids and gels from your hand luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each item should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit in a single quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a clever footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when passing through security. Safety boots and other bulky shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, pack them in your checked suitcase. They won't be allowed on board.