Cheap Flights to Rensselaer , NY from CA $329

If you're not prepared, air travel can be testing. But there's no need to panic. Follow these tips and tricks for a trouble-free start to your getaway in Rensselaer. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• It's simple — first, pack in your passport, travel docs, bank cards and medications. Next, you'll want some extra in-flight entertainment to while away the hours. A juicy book and a laptop crammed with your favourite shows are always good options. If you plan to catch a few z's, a neck pillow and some earplugs will also be useful. Finally, squeeze in a few toiletry items so you'll hop off the plane feeling fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have a Swiss Army knife lurking in one of the compartments of your hand luggage. Other restricted items include flammable or explosive products, such as fuel and matches, and liquids and gels in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an airplane are no place for a fashion parade. Layer up with comfy clothing and pick shoes that are closed-toe, flat and easy to remove.
• The result of lengthy periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect passengers during long-distance flights. Reduce the risks by staying hydrated, keeping your legs and feet moving and wearing compression socks to help improve your circulation.

It's all about being organized. We've put together some top tips for an easy trip through security. Look out Rensselaer, here you come:

• Your boarding pass and travel ID will need to be presented to airport security personnel. Keep them handy so you don't hold up the line.
• The X-ray machine comes next. Remove anything metal on you that is likely to set off the scanner's alarm. This includes items like earphones or headphones, as well as heavy coats or jackets. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• For just a few moments, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your laptop, phone and any other electronics must also be sent through the scanner.
• Any gels or liquids, such as hair oil or hand cream, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• It's also possible you'll be required to remove your shoes for scanning, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a good idea.
• Sharp items like knives can't be taken on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so put them in your checked luggage.