Cheap Flights to Sarasota , FL from CA $183

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be testing. But there's no need to panic. Follow these helpful hints for a trouble-free start to your getaway in Sarasota. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Flying can be a great experience if you take the right gear. Firstly, you'll need toiletry items, such as deodorant, toothpaste and a toothbrush, a spare pair of socks and a good read. Secondly, find room in your carry-on bag for your laptop, a charger, any daily medications and perhaps a proper neck pillow as well. Last, but definitely not least, be sure to bring your passport, travel documents and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Put all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hair gel in your checked luggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) will be confiscated by security. Sharp objects, like your beloved Swiss Army knife, and products which are flammable or explosive, such as spray paint, flares and fireworks, are also banned.

What to wear on a flight:

• Choose comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes in the cabin by donning layers, and wear flat, closed-toe footwear like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by lengthy periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to wander around the cabin or do some simple exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

The secret is to be prepared before you get to the security gate. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Sarasota in no time at all. Follow these helpful tips and get your vacation off to a great start:

• Keep your ID and travel documents within easy reach. They'll be the first things you'll be asked to show at airport security.
• After that, both you and your carry-on bag will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Items like your belt, jacket and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• All your electronic devices, including your phone and tablet, will also need to be scanned separately.
• Don't forget to remove liquids and gels from your carry-on luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each product should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you a few precious minutes. Hiking or heavy-style boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on sneakers usually aren't.
• Sharp items like knives are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them in your checked bags.