Cheap Flights to Zürich from CA $71

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you've prepared well. We've made a list of handy hints that will help get your Zürich vacation started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having an awesome travel experience is to plan ahead. Start with the essentials: passport, travel documents, bank cards and medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help while away those hours, like some electronic devices or a few magazines. You'll also want to pack your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of earphones. Last but not least, don't forget to pop in toiletries like a toothbrush, lip balm and a fresh change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items can differ between air carriers, the general rule to follow is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes knives, scissors, spray paint and flares. Sporting equipment like baseball bats, and items that could injure passengers, such as pepper spray and guns, won't be allowed on board either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your main concern when deciding what to wear during your flight. Loose clothing is a wise option, as are flat, slightly roomy shoes.
• It's likely you've heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity. To minimize your risk on board, stay hydrated, consider wearing compression tights or socks and move your legs and feet often.

It's easy — be prepared. We've pulled together some top tips for a fuss-free trip through airport security. Watch out Zürich, here you come:

• First things first. Your travel ID and boarding pass will need to be shown to airport security personnel. Have them easily accessible so you don't hold up the queue.
• The X-ray machine comes next. Empty your pockets and remove anything that is likely to set off the alarm. This includes things like earphones or headphones, as well as your coat or jacket. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• All electronic devices, including your phone and laptop, are also required to be scanned separately.
• Don't forget to remove liquids and gels from your hand luggage. They usually 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-close bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a good footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when going through security. Big boots and heavier-style shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Sharp or pointed items can't be taken on board. They'll be seized at security, so put them in your checked bags.