Cheap Flights to College Station , TX from CA $459

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be challenging. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these tips and tricks for a hassle-free start to your getaway in College Station. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having an awesome flight experience is to be prepared. First up, the essentials: passport, boarding pass, bank cards and any vital medications. Next, bring items that'll help pass the time, like some electronic gadgets or a good read. It's also smart to bring your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of headphones. And of course, be sure to squeeze in toiletry items like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a fresh change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have sharp objects (like a knife or scissors) hiding in your hand 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 main concern when choosing what to wear on your flight. Loose clothing is a sensible choice, as are flat, enclosed shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to walk around the cabin and stretch your legs or do some gentle exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

The answer is simple — be prepared. We've put together some top tips for a stress-free trip through security. Watch out College Station, here you come:

• Airport security personnel first need to make sure that you have a valid ID and matching boarding pass before you're allowed to proceed any further. Keep them within easy reach.
• After that, both you and your hand luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that might trigger the alarms. Items such as your coat, belt and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• For just a few moments, you'll have to unplug from technology. Your tablet, phone and any other electronic gadgets will also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Can't travel without your favourite cologne? Not a problem. As long as it's in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and it's stored in a clear zip-close bag, you're allowed to bring it with you on board.
• Lightweight sneakers are a good footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when passing through security. Boots and other bulky shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, pack them safely away in your checked suitcase. They won't be allowed on board.