Cheap Flights to Columbia , MO from CA $209

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be tough. But there's no need to panic. Follow these helpful hints for a stress-free start to your getaway in Columbia. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a hassle-free flight experience is to be prepared. So, let's start with the basics: passport, boarding pass, cash and any vital medications. Next, bring items that'll help while away those hours, like some electronic gadgets or a good book. It's also a wise idea to pack your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of headphones. Last but not least, be sure to toss in toiletries like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a spare change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have sharp or pointed objects lurking in one of the zippers of your carry-on luggage. Other prohibited items include flammable or explosive goods, such as aerosol cans and bleach, and gels and liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• Your aim is to be as comfortable as you can. Pick easy-to-remove footwear, dress in loose, natural-fibre clothing and remember to bring a pullover in case it gets cold in the cabin.
• Most travellers have heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by long periods of sitting. To lower your risk on board, drink lots of water, consider wearing compression tights or socks and keep your feet and legs moving.

The answer is simple — be prepared. We've pulled together some tips and tricks for an easy trip through airport security. Look out Columbia, here you come:

• First things first. Your passport and travel documents will need to be shown to airport security. Keep them someplace accessible so you don't have to dig around for them.
• After that, both you and your hand luggage must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that might trigger the alarms. Items such as your belt, coat and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• For just a few moments, you'll have to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, laptop and any other electronics will need to be sent through the scanner.
• Remember to remove gels and liquids 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 inside a single quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a great footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when going through security. Boots and other bulky shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, put them in your checked baggage. They won't be allowed in the cabin.