Cheap Flights to Chapel Hill , NC from CA $48

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be challenging. But there's no need to worry. Follow these useful tips for a hassle-free start to your time in Chapel Hill. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First of all, put in your passport, important documents, wallet and medications. Next, you'll want some in-flight entertainment to help pass the time. A thrilling book and a phone crammed with your favourite shows are some wonderful options. If you intend to catch up on some sleep, a neck pillow and some noise-cancelling headphones will also be useful. Finally, make room for a toothbrush and some cleansing wipes so you'll step off the plane feeling fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items can differ between air carriers, the general guide to follow is nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, knives, fireworks and fuel. Sports equipment like baseball bats, and objects that could injure passengers, such as pepper spray and firearms, won't be allowed on board either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Go for comfort over style. Prepare for changes in temperature by donning layers, and opt for flat, enclosed footwear like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by extended periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Walk around the cabin and give your legs a stretch or do some gentle exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

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

• First things first. Your passport and boarding pass will need to be shown to airport security personnel. Keep them someplace accessible so you don't hold up the queue.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your belt, coat, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your earphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from technology. Your tablet, phone and any other electronic gadgets will need to go through the scanner.
• Remove all liquids and gels from your carry-on bag. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each product should be 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 valuable minutes. Boots and bulky shoes are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on shoes are usually not.
• Sharp or pointed items are not allowed on board. They'll be seized at security, so pack them in your checked luggage.