Cheap Flights to Birka from CA $160

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be overwhelming. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these tips and tricks and enjoy a pleasant start to your vacation in Birka. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a worry-free flight experience is to pack in advance. Start with the essentials: passport, travel docs, bank cards and any vital medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help pass the time, like your laptop or a juicy novel. It's also a wise idea to bring your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earphones. And of course, be sure to toss in toiletry items like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a clean set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have sharp or pointed objects hiding in one of the compartments of your carry-on luggage. Other restricted items include explosive or flammable substances, such as aerosol cans and fuel, and liquids and gels in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to choose comfort over style. Prepare for changes in temperature by dressing in layers, and wear slightly roomy, flat shoes like sneakers.
• You're probably aware of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity. To lower your risk on board, drink lots of water, consider wearing compression socks or tights and move your legs and feet often.

It's simple — be prepared. We've pulled together some useful tips for a fuss-free trip through security. Look out Birka, here you come:

• First things first. Your travel documents and passport will need to be shown to airport security personnel. Have them close by so you don't hold up the line.
• The X-ray machine comes next. Remove anything metal on you that is likely to set off the alarm. This includes items like headphones or earphones, as well as your coat or jacket. They'll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• For just a few moments, you'll have to unplug from technology. Your laptop, phone and any other electronic gadgets will also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Any gels or liquids, such as lip balm or cologne, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), zip-lock bag.
• There's a good chance you'll need to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a wise idea.
• Sharp items such as knives and scissors are not allowed on board. They'll be seized at security, so pack them in your checked suitcase.