Cheap Flights to Des Moines , WA from CA $129

We've rounded up all the info you need to make your journey as pain-free as possible. Follow our insider tips and you'll be hightailing it through airport security and exploring Des Moines before you know it. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a worry-free travel experience is to plan ahead. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, boarding pass, credit cards and vital medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you busy, like some electronic gadgets or a good book. It's also smart to bring your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of headphones. Finally, be sure to toss in toiletries like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a clean T-shirt.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items can differ between air carriers, the general guide to follow is nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes things like screwdrivers, blades, fireworks and fuel. Sporting equipment like ski poles, and objects that could injure passengers, such as firearms and ammunition, won't be allowed on board either.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an aircraft aren't the place for a fashion parade. Layer up with comfy clothing and go for shoes that are roomy, flat and easy to slip on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by extended periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Make a point of walking around the cabin or do some simple exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

The answer is simple — be organized. We've put together some useful tips for a hassle-free trip through security. Watch out Des Moines, here you come:

• Security personnel first need to see that you have a valid ID and matching boarding pass before you can proceed any further. Have them in your hand, ready for inspection.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your coat, belt, keys and other items in your pocket, like coins, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• All your electronics, including your phone and laptop, are also required to be scanned separately.
• Any liquids or gels, such as shampoo or hand cream, that you want to bring on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you valuable minutes. Boots and bulky shoes are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on sneakers usually aren't.
• Sharp items such as knives and scissors are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them in your checked baggage.