Cheap Flights to Fitchburg , MA from CA $180

Wherever you're jetting in from, flying can be a pleasurable experience if you're well prepared. Follow these essential travel tips that will get your Fitchburg escape started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Air travel can be a great experience if you carry the right gear. First things first, you'll need basic toiletries, such as lip balm and hand cream, a fresh change of clothes and a good read. Next, find a spot in your carry-on bag for your phone and charger, medications and perhaps a neck pillow as well. Last, but definitely not least, don't forget to take your passport, travel papers and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Pack all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner in your checked luggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) will be confiscated. Sharp objects, like your treasured Swiss Army knife, and products which are flammable or explosive, such as flares, chemicals agents and poisons, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of a plane aren't the place for a fashion parade. Wear layers and opt for shoes that are flat, roomy and easy to take on and off.
• 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 or do some gentle exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

The answer is simple — be prepared. We've rounded up some top tips for a fuss-free trip through security. Watch out Fitchburg, here you come:

• Keep your ID and travel documents close by. They'll be the first things you'll be asked to present to airport security.
• After that, both you and your carry-on luggage will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that might set the alarms off. Items such as your belt, jacket and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• All your electronics, including your laptop and phone, must also be scanned.
• Want to bring along your favourite hand cream? As long as the volume is no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and it's stored in a clear zip-close bag, you can bring it with you in your carry-on bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a good footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when going through security. Safety boots and other bulky shoes are usually subjected to extra screening.
• Sharp items such as knives and scissors are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so put them in your checked baggage.