Cheap Flights to Tacoma from CA $747

Depending on where you're coming from, your trip to Tacoma could be a piece of cake or it could drag on forever. We've put together some useful hints that will help you start your next big adventure on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a pain-free flight experience is to be prepared. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, travel docs, cash and daily medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you busy, like your laptop or a magazine. You'll also want to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of noise-cancelling headphones. Finally, be sure to squeeze in toiletries like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a fresh set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Pack all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hairspray in your checked baggage. Any liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) will be confiscated by authorities. Sharp or pointed objects, like your trusty pocket knife, and dangerous products which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosols and fireworks, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• Go for comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes by layering up, and wear flat, closed-toe shoes like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by lengthy periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Walk around the cabin and give your legs a stretch or do some simple exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

As seasoned travellers know, the secret is to be organized before you get to the security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Tacoma before you know it. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a great start:

• First things first. Your travel documents and ID will need to be presented to security personnel. Keep them within easy reach so you don't have to dig around for them.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your coat, belt, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your headphones, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them before your turn.
• Your electronic devices like phones and laptops will also need to go on a tray to be scanned. Don't worry though, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Remember to remove liquids and gels from your carry-on luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each product should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit in a single quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a good footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when passing through security. Safety boots and other heavy-style shoes are usually subjected to extra screening.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp or pointed objects in your carry-on luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked luggage.