Cheap Flights to Stony Brook , NY from CA $196

We've got the lowdown on how to make your journey a stress-free experience. Follow our tips and you'll be hightailing it through airport security and having a blast in Stony Brook in next to no time. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First and foremost, pack in your passport, important documents, credit cards and medications. Next, you'll need some extra in-flight entertainment to while away the time. A juicy book and a laptop filled with your favourite movies are always good options. If you hope to take a short snooze, a neck pillow and a pair of earplugs will also come in handy. Finally, make room for a toothbrush and some facial wipes so you'll arrive feeling fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items can differ between airlines, the general rule of thumb is nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, drills, spray paint and fireworks. Sports equipment like baseball bats, and objects that could harm other people, such as guns and swords, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to choose comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes in the cabin by donning layers, and opt for flat, slightly roomy footwear like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clots forming due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

The simple answer is — be prepared. We've pulled together some helpful hints for a fuss-free trip through security. Look out Stony Brook, here you come:

• Security personnel first need to establish that you have a valid ID and matching travel documents before anything else. Keep them within easy reach.
• Next up, both you and your hand luggage must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Items such as your belt, coat and earphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few moments, you'll need to unplug from technology. Your laptop, phone and any other electronic gadgets will also need to go through the scanner.
• Travelling with a new hand cream? As long as the volume is no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and it's stored in a zip-lock bag, you can bring it with you on board.
• There's a chance you'll be required to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a smart idea.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, pack them in your checked baggage. They won't be allowed on board.