Cheap Flights to West Point , VA from CA $235

Depending on where you're coming from, your trip to West Point could be completely painless or it could drag on forever. We've rounded up some handy tips that will help you start your next great adventure on a positive note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First, put in your passport, travel documents, cash and vital medications. Next, you'll want some in-flight entertainment to while away the hours. A juicy novel and a tablet crammed with your favourite shows are good options. If you plan to catch a few z's, a neck pillow and a pair of noise-cancelling headphones will also come in handy. Finally, squeeze in a toothbrush and some facial wipes to ensure you arrive at your destination looking fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items can differ between air carriers, the general rule of thumb is nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, pocket knives, aerosol cans and flares. Sports equipment like golf clubs, and objects that could harm passengers, such as pepper spray and guns, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Choose comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes by layering up, and opt for flat, closed-toe footwear like sneakers.
• It's likely you've heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity. To lower your risk on board, drink lots of water, consider wearing compression tights or socks and keep your feet and legs moving.

The answer is — be prepared. We've put together some top tips for an easy trip through security. Look out West Point, here you come:

• Be sure to keep your passport and boarding pass within close reach. They're the first things you'll be asked to present to security.
• After that, both you and your hand luggage will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that might trigger the alarms. Items like your jacket, belt and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• All your electronic devices, including your laptop and phone, are also required to be separately scanned.
• Can't travel without your favourite cologne? No problem. As long as it's in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and it's stored in a zip-close bag, you can keep it with you on board.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several precious minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on sneakers usually aren't.
• Sharp items like knives are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so pack them safely away in your checked baggage.