Cheap Flights to Saint-Louis from CA $134

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be testing. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these useful tips for a comfortable start to your time in Saint-Louis. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• It's easy — first, pack in your passport, travel docs, bank cards and daily medications. Next, you'll want some in-flight entertainment to while away the hours. A juicy novel and a phone crammed with your favourite movies are some wonderful options. If you plan to catch a few z's, a neck pillow and a pair of noise-cancelling headphones will also be useful. Finally, make room for a toothbrush and some deodorant to ensure you arrive at your destination feeling fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have sharp or pointed objects hiding in one of the compartments of your hand luggage. Other restricted items include explosive or flammable products, like aerosols and matches, and gels and liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to go for comfort over style. Prepare for changes in temperature by donning layers, and pick flat, easy-to-remove footwear like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clots forming due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

It's all about being organized. We've put together some handy tips and tricks for a fuss-free trip through security. Watch out Saint-Louis, here you come:

• Your passport and travel documents will need to be shown to airport security. Have them close by to avoid fumbling around for them.
• After that, both you and your hand luggage will be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that might trigger the alarms. Items like your belt, coat and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• Electronic devices like laptops and phones will also have to go through the machine to be scanned. No need to worry though, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Any liquids or gels, such as lip balm or cologne, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a great footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when going through security. Hiking boots and heavier-style shoes are usually subjected to extra screening.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp objects in your carry-on luggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked luggage.