Cheap Flights to Madison , AL from CA $247

If you're not prepared, travelling can be tough. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy hints for a pain-free start to your getaway in Madison. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane ride can be a comfortable experience if you bring the right gear. Firstly, you'll want a few basic toiletry items, such as deodorant and a toothbrush, a spare pair of socks and a good read. Secondly, find room in your bag for your electronic devices, chargers, any vital medications and perhaps a proper neck pillow too. Last, but definitely not least, don't forget to take your passport, travel papers and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have a Swiss Army knife hiding in the bottom of your hand luggage. Other banned items include explosive or flammable goods, such as aerosol cans and bleach, and gels and liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• Your main priority is to be as comfortable as possible. Pick flat, closed-toe shoes, dress in loose, breathable clothing and remember to bring a sweater in case you get cold in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clotting due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

Being prepared before you arrive at the airport can make your getaway to Madison a pleasure. Below you'll find some handy tips and tricks for a stress-free journey through security:

• First things first. Your travel documents and ID will need to be shown to security personnel. Keep them within easy reach to avoid fumbling around for them.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your jacket, belt, keys and other small items, like coins, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them as your turn draws near.
• All your electronics, including your phone and tablet, must also be separately scanned.
• Don't forget to remove gels and liquids from your carry-on bag. They often need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each item should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit in a single quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a good footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when passing through security. Big boots and other heavy-style shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp items or pocket knives in your carry-on luggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked luggage.