Cheap Flights to Wilmington , NY from CA $286

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be overwhelming. But there's no need to worry. Follow these handy hints for a trouble-free start to your getaway in Wilmington. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a worry-free travel experience is to pack ahead. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, boarding pass, cash and daily medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you occupied, like your laptop or a thrilling novel. It's also wise to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earphones. Last but not least, be sure to squeeze in toiletries like a toothbrush, lip balm and a fresh set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items can differ between air carriers, the general guide to follow is nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, knives, aerosol cans and bleaching agents. Sporting equipment like ice skates, and items that could harm passengers, such as firearms and ammunition, aren't allowed in the cabin either.

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to go for comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes in the cabin by wearing layers, and pick flat, enclosed shoes like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-distance flights. It's the result of blood clotting due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

The answer is simple — be prepared. We've rounded up some helpful hints for a hassle-free trip through airport security. Watch out Wilmington, here you come:

• Your travel documents and passport will need to be shown to airport security personnel. Have them easily accessible so you don't have to dig around for them.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on luggage will be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that might set the alarms off. Items like your belt, jacket and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your phone and tablet, are also required to be scanned.
• Any gels or liquids, such as toothpaste or perfume, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• There's a chance you'll need to remove your shoes for scanning, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a good idea.
• Pocket knives and other sharp items are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so pack them in your checked bags.