Cheap Flights to Alexandria from CA $162

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

• The secret to having a pain-free flight experience is to be prepared. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, official ID, bank cards and daily medications. Next, bring items that'll help while away those hours, like some electronic gadgets or a good read. It's also wise to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. Finally, be sure to toss in toiletries like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a fresh change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have sharp objects (like a pocket knife) hiding in one of the compartments of your hand luggage. Other restricted items include flammable or explosive products, like aerosols and matches, and gels and liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should always be your priority when picking what to wear on board. Consider your choice of footwear with care too, as swollen feet can be a side effect of flying. Flat shoes which are slightly roomy are your best bet.
• Most of us have heard about DVT (deep vein thrombosis), a blood clot condition caused by long periods of sitting. There are plenty of ways to lessen your risk. Wear a quality pair of compression socks, drink lots of water and move your legs and feet. Wander around the cabin or perform exercises in your seat.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be organized before you get to security. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Alexandria before you know it. Follow these helpful tips and get your vacation off to a flying start:

• Be sure to have your boarding pass and ID close by. They're the first items you'll be asked for by security.
• After that, both you and your hand luggage will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Personal belongings such as your belt, coat and earphones need to go through the machine.
• Your electronic gadgets like laptops and phones will also need to go on a tray to be scanned. Don't worry though, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Any gels or liquids, such as hair oil or hand cream, that you want to take on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), zip-lock bag.
• It's also likely that you'll be asked to remove your shoes for scanning, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a clever idea.
• Pocket knives and other sharp items can't be taken on board. They'll be seized at security, so put them in your checked baggage.