Cheap Flights to Charleston , IL from CA $209

We've got the lowdown on how to make your journey a stress-free experience. Follow our tips and tricks and you'll be hightailing it through airport security and having a ball in Charleston before you know it. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• It's easy — first, pack your passport, travel documents, credit cards and daily medications. Next, you'll need some entertainment to while away the hours. A juicy novel and a phone filled with your favourite movies are some terrific options. If you plan to catch forty winks, a neck pillow and a pair of earplugs will also be useful. Finally, leave some space for a toothbrush and some cleansing wipes so you'll step off the plane looking fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have sharp objects (like a pocket knife) hiding in your carry-on luggage. Other restricted items include explosive or flammable substances, such as aerosol cans and bleach, and liquids and gels in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your highest priority when deciding what to wear on board. Loose, breathable clothing is a smart choice, as are flat, slightly roomy shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clots forming due to inactivity and poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

The secret is to be well organized before you reach the airport security gate. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Charleston in no time at all. Follow these helpful tips and get your vacation off to a great start:

• Have your passport and boarding pass at hand. They're the first items you'll be asked to show at security.
• Next up is the X-ray machine. Remove anything on you that is likely to set off the scanner's alarm. This includes things like headphones or earphones, as well as heavy jackets or coats. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• Your electronic devices like phones and laptops will also have to go on a tray for inspection. Don't worry though, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Don't forget to remove liquids and gels from your carry-on bag. They often need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• It's also likely that you'll be required to take your shoes off to be X-rayed, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a smart idea.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp objects in your carry-on luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked luggage.