Cheap Flights to Gotthards from CA $484

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be daunting. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy tips for a hassle-free start to your getaway in Gotthards. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Flying can be a great experience if you've got all the right things. Firstly, you'll want some basic toiletries, such as a toothbrush and hairbrush, a fresh set of clothes and a good book. Secondly, leave space in your carry-on bag for your phone and charger, your medications and perhaps a proper neck pillow too. Lastly, be sure to take your passport, travel papers and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Leave all your full-sized bottles of hair gel and hairspray in your checked baggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) will be confiscated. Pointed or sharp objects, like a Swiss Army knife, and products which are flammable or explosive, such as spray paint, flares and gasoline, are also not allowed.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your top priority is to be as comfortable as possible. Opt for shoes that are easy to pull on and off, dress in loose, natural-fibre clothing and remember to take a pullover in case it gets cold in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to walk around the cabin or do some simple exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

Being prepared before you arrive at the airport will make your getaway to Gotthards a pleasure. We've rounded up some top tips for a stress-free journey through security:

• Airport security personnel first need to check that you have a valid passport and matching travel documents before you can proceed any further. Keep them within easy reach.
• Your belt, jacket, keys and other small items, like your headphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• For just a few moments, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your tablet, phone and any other electronics will also need to go through the scanner.
• Don't forget to remove liquids and gels from your hand luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit inside a single quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a clever footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when passing through security. Hiking boots and other heavy shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Knives and other sharp items can't be taken on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them safely away in your checked bags.