Cheap Flights to St. Joseph from CA $161

If you're not prepared, air travel can be challenging. But there's no need to panic. Follow these handy hints for a hassle-free start to your getaway in St. Joseph. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane trip can be a great experience if you take the right stuff. First things first, you'll need basic toiletries, such as a toothbrush and lip balm, a spare change of clothes and something to read. Next, make room in your carry-on bag for your laptop, a charger, your important medications and perhaps a comfy neck pillow too. Last, but definitely not least, remember to bring your passport, travel papers and some cash.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have a sharp object lurking in your hand luggage. Other prohibited items include explosive or flammable substances, such as aerosol cans and fuel, and liquids and gels in containers larger 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 slip on and off, dress in loose, natural fibers and remember to take a pullover in case it gets chilly in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clots forming due to inactivity and poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

Being prepared before your flight will help make your trip to St. Joseph a pleasure. Below are some handy tips for a speedy journey through security:

• Airport security personnel first need to know that you have a valid ID and matching travel documents before you can proceed any further. Have them ready for inspection.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your jacket, belt, keys and other contents of your pockets, like coins, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• For just a few minutes, you'll have to unplug from the digital world. Your laptop, phone and any other electronic gadgets will also need to go through the scanner.
• Remember to remove liquids and gels from your carry-on bag. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit in a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several precious minutes. Boots and heavy shoes are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on sneakers are usually not.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, pack them safely away in your checked baggage. They won't be allowed in the cabin.