Cheap Flights to Athens , AL from CA $245

Depending on where you're coming from, your flight to Athens could be no sweat at all or it could drag on forever. We've rounded up some handy travel tips that will help you start your next big adventure on a positive note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a hassle-free flight experience is to plan ahead. So, let's start with the basics: passport, official ID, credit cards and daily medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you busy, like your laptop or a thrilling novel. You'll also want to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of noise-cancelling headphones. Last but not least, don't forget to chuck in toiletry items like a toothbrush, lip balm and a spare 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) lurking in the bottom of your hand luggage. Other banned items include explosive or flammable substances, such as bleach and fuel, and gels and liquids in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• Your main aim is to be as comfortable as you can. Opt for flat, closed-toe shoes, dress in loose, breathable clothing and remember to bring a jacket in case it gets cold in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-distance flights. It's the result of blood clots forming due to inactivity and poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

The trick is to be well organized before you get to security. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Athens in next to no time. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a great start:

• Airport security personnel first need to determine that you have a valid passport and travel documents before you can proceed any further. Keep them close by.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on bag must be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Items such as your coat, belt and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• Your electronic devices like phones and laptops will also have to go through the machine for inspection. Don't worry, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Can't travel without your favourite hand cream? Not a 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're allowed to bring it with you on board.
• Slip-on shoes are a great footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when passing through security. Hiking boots and other bulky shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, put them in your checked suitcase. They won't be allowed on board and will be confiscated.