Cheap Flights to Madeira , OH from CA $239

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be a seamless experience if you're well prepared. Check out these handy tips that will help get your Madeira escape started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Flying can be a pleasure if you've got all the right stuff. First things first, you'll need toiletry items, such as a toothbrush and lip balm, a spare pair of socks and a good book. Next, find a spot in your hand luggage for your mobile phone, a charger, any medications and maybe a quality neck pillow as well. Last, but definitely not least, remember to bring your passport, travel papers and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Put all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner in your checked baggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) will be confiscated by security. Pointed or sharp objects, like your precious Swiss Army knife, and dangerous goods which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosol cans, spray paint and fuels, are also banned.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of a plane are no place for a fashion parade. Layer up with comfy clothing and opt for shoes that are flat, roomy and easy to pull on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clotting due to inactivity and poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

As savvy travellers know, the secret is to be well organized before you reach the airport security gate. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Madeira in a flash. Follow these helpful tips and get your vacation off to a spectacular start:

• First things first. Your travel ID and boarding pass will need to be shown to airport security personnel. Keep them at hand so you don't have to dig around for them.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your jacket, belt, keys and other items in your pocket, like your headphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them before your turn.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your phone and tablet, must also be scanned separately.
• Don't forget to remove liquids and gels from your carry-on luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a great footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when passing through security. Hiking boots and other bulky shoes are usually subjected to extra screening.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, pack them in your checked baggage. They won't be allowed on board and will be confiscated.