Cheap Flights to Oregon , MO from CA $217

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be a real challenge. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy tips and enjoy a pain-free start to your vacation in Oregon. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a great flight experience is to pack in advance. Start with the essentials: passport, travel docs, bank cards and medications. Next, take on board items that'll help keep you entertained, like some electronic gadgets or a few magazines. It's also smart to pack your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of earphones. And of course, don't forget to toss in toiletries like a toothbrush, lip balm and a spare change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have sharp objects (like a pocket knife) lurking in one of the compartments of your carry-on luggage. Other restricted items include explosive or flammable substances, such as aerosol cans and bleach, and liquids and gels in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an airplane aren't the place for a fashion parade. Dress in comfortable layers and pick shoes that are enclosed, flat and easy to pull on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-distance flights. It results from blood clotting due to inactivity and poor circulation, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

As savvy travellers know, the secret is to be prepared before you get to airport security. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Oregon in next to no time. Follow these helpful tips and get your vacation off to a spectacular start:

• Be sure to have your travel documents and passport someplace easily accessible. They're the first things you'll be asked to show at security.
• After that, both you and your carry-on luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Personal belongings such as your belt, jacket and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• Your electronic gadgets like phones and laptops will also have to go through the machine to be scanned. No need to worry though, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Any liquids or gels, such as perfume or toothpaste, that you want to bring on board must be no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several valuable minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on sneakers are usually not.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp objects in your hand luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked luggage.