Cheap Flights to Reston , VA from CA $186

Depending on where you're coming from, your flight to Reston could be no sweat at all or it could drag on forever. Below are some useful hints that will help you start your next unforgettable escape on a positive note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a hassle-free flight experience is to be prepared. Start with the essentials: passport, travel docs, bank cards and medications. Next, bring items that'll help while away those hours, like some electronic devices or a few magazines. It's also smart to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of headphones. Last but not least, be sure to squeeze in toiletry items like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a clean T-shirt.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have a pocket knife lurking in the bottom of your hand luggage. Other banned items include explosive or flammable substances, such as fuel and fireworks, and gels and liquids in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• Your main aim is to be as comfortable as you can. Choose shoes that are easy to pull on and off, dress in loose, natural-fibre clothing and remember to bring a pullover in case you get chilly in the cabin.
• Most travellers are aware of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by long periods of inactivity. To minimize your risk on board, stay hydrated, consider wearing compression tights or socks and keep your legs and feet moving.

The answer is — be prepared. We've rounded up some helpful hints for an easy trip through airport security. Look out Reston, here you come:

• Your passport and boarding pass will need to be shown to security personnel. Have them easily accessible so you don't hold up the queue.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your belt, jacket, keys and other small items, like your earphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them as your turn draws near.
• All your electronics, including your phone and laptop, are also required to be scanned.
• Any gels or liquids, such as shampoo or hand cream, that you want to bring on board must be no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), zip-lock bag.
• There's a chance you'll be required to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a good idea.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp items or pocket knives in your hand luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked baggage.