Cheap Flights to Gstaad from CA $1,261

Depending on where you're coming from, your trip to Gstaad could be a breeze or it could drag on forever. Here are some handy tips that will help you start your next great escape on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a great flight experience is to plan ahead. Start with the essentials: passport, official ID, bank cards and daily medications. Next, take on board items that'll help keep you occupied, like your laptop or a thrilling book. It's also a wise idea to bring your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. Finally, don't forget to chuck in toiletry items like a toothbrush, lip balm and a clean T-shirt.

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 nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes knives, scissors, fireworks and fuel. Sports equipment like hockey sticks, and objects that could injure passengers, such as swords and batons, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to go for comfort over style. Prepare for changes in cabin temperature by wearing layers, and pick closed-toe, flat shoes like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to walk around the cabin or do some gentle exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

As savvy travellers know, the secret is to be prepared before you arrive at security. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Gstaad in no time flat. Follow these helpful tips and get your vacation off to a great start:

• Airport security personnel first need to see that you have a valid passport and matching boarding pass before you can proceed any further. Keep them close by.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your belt, jacket, keys and other small items, like your earphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them as your turn draws near.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from technology. Your tablet, phone and any other electronic gadgets must also be sent 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 item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit in a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• There's a chance you'll be asked to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a good idea.
• Airlines won't allow any pocket knives or other sharp items in the cabin. If you must bring these kinds of items, check them in.