Cheap Flights to Louisville , KY from CA $227

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be daunting. But there's no need to worry. Follow these handy hints and enjoy a comfortable start to your time in Louisville. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having an amazing travel experience is to be prepared. Start with the essentials: passport, travel documents, cash and medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you entertained, like some electronic gadgets or a good read. It's also wise to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. Finally, be sure to toss in toiletries like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a clean T-shirt.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items can differ between airlines, the general rule to follow is nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, drills, spray paint and fireworks. Sports equipment like ski poles, and items that could harm passengers, such as pepper spray and firearms, won't be allowed on board either.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an airplane aren't the place for a fashion parade. Layer up with comfy clothing and opt for shoes that are roomy, flat and easy to remove.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-distance flights. It's the result of blood clots forming due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

A little pre-planning before you get to the airport will help make your trip to Louisville easy and painless. Read through our top tips for a stress-free journey past security:

• Your passport and boarding pass will need to be inspected by airport security. Keep them someplace accessible so you don't hold up the line.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your coat, belt, keys and other items in your pocket, like your headphones, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your phone and laptop, will also need to be scanned.
• Any gels or liquids, such as lip balm or cologne, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• There's a chance you'll need to remove your shoes for scanning, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a good idea.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp objects to come on board with you. If you must bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked luggage.