Cheap Flights to Columbia , NC from CA $153

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be challenging. But there's no need to panic. Follow these helpful hints and enjoy a hassle-free start to your vacation in Columbia. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane trip can be a stress-free experience if you bring the right stuff. Firstly, you'll want a few basic toiletry items, such as a toothbrush and some deodorant, a clean set of clothes and a good read. Secondly, leave space in your hand luggage for your laptop, a charger, any vital medications and maybe a quality neck pillow too. Lastly, don't forget to bring your passport, travel docs and some money.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items can differ between air carriers, the general rule of thumb is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes things like tools, metal cutlery, fuels and bleaching agents. Sports equipment like bows and arrows, and items that could harm passengers, such as pepper spray and firearms, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Go for comfort over style. Prepare for changes in temperature by donning layers, and pick slightly roomy, flat shoes like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-distance flights. It results from blood clots forming due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

A little pre-planning before you get to the airport can make your getaway to Columbia a pleasure. Here are some useful tips for a stress-free journey past security:

• First things first. Your passport and boarding pass will need to be presented to airport security personnel. Keep them within easy reach so you don't hold up the line.
• Next up is the X-ray machine. Remove anything metal on you that is likely to set off the alarm. This includes things like earphones or headphones, as well as heavy jackets or coats. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• Your electronic devices like laptops and phones will also have to go through the machine to be scanned. No need to worry though, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Remove all gels and liquids from your carry-on luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each item 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-lock bag.
• It's also likely that you'll be required to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a clever idea.
• Sharp or pointed objects (like knives and scissors) can't be taken on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them safely away in your checked bags.