Cheap Flights to West Springfield , MA from CA $196

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be an enjoyable experience if you've planned ahead. We've put together a list of handy hints that will help get your West Springfield escape started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First things first, pack in your passport, travel documents, cash and vital medications. Next, you'll want some entertainment to help pass the time. A thrilling novel and a laptop crammed with your favourite movies are good options. If you intend to take a short snooze, a neck pillow and some earplugs will also be useful. Finally, leave some space for a toothbrush and some facial wipes to ensure you touchdown looking and feeling fresh.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

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

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of a plane aren't the place for a fashion parade. Dress in comfortable layers and opt for shoes that are flat, enclosed and easy to remove.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged 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.

The secret is to be well organized before you arrive at security. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to West Springfield in no time at all. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a spectacular start:

• Security personnel first need to verify that you have a valid ID and matching boarding pass before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them close by, ready for inspection.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Items such as your belt, coat and headphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few minutes, you'll have to unplug from technology. Your tablet, phone and any other electronic devices must also be sent through the scanner.
• Any gels or liquids, such as hair oil or hand cream, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a clever footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when passing through security. Safety boots and other heavy-style shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Knives and other sharp items are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so pack them in your checked luggage.