Cheap Flights to Marion , LA from CA $398

Depending on where you're coming from, your journey to Marion could be no sweat at all or it could drag on forever. We've rounded up some tips that will help you start your next great escape on a positive note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First and foremost, pack your passport, travel documents, credit cards and daily medications. Next, you'll want some in-flight entertainment to while away the hours. A juicy novel and a tablet crammed with your favourite shows are always good options. If you plan to catch a few z's, a neck pillow and some earplugs will also come in handy. Finally, leave space for a toothbrush and some deodorant to ensure you hop off the plane looking fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items can differ between air carriers, the general guide to follow is nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes things like knives, scissors, aerosol cans and flares. Sports equipment like ice skates, and objects that could injure passengers, such as firearms and swords, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your aim is to feel as comfortable as possible. Go for a pair of slip-on shoes, dress in loose, natural-fibre clothing and remember to take a sweater in case you get chilly in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potential risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clots forming due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

A little pre-planning before you arrive at the airport will help make your trip to Marion a piece of cake. Here are some handy tips and tricks for a swift journey past security:

• First things first. Your travel documents and passport will need to be shown to airport security. Keep them handy so you don't hold up the line.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your coat, belt, keys and other items in your pocket, like your earphones, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• Your electronic devices like phones and laptops will also have to go through the machine for inspection. Don't worry, you'll be back online in no time.
• Any liquids or gels, such as perfume or toothpaste, that you want to take 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.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several minutes. Boots and heavy shoes are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on shoes usually aren't.
• Sharp items like knives are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so pack them in your checked bags.