If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be challenging. But there's no need to panic. Follow these helpful hints and enjoy a pleasant start to your time in Peki'in.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a pain-free travel experience is to pack in advance. Start with the essentials: passport, official ID, cash and medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you busy, like some electronic devices or a good book. It's also smart to bring your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of headphones. And of course, be sure to chuck in toiletries like a toothbrush, lip balm and a fresh change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have a sharp object hiding in one of the zippers of your carry-on luggage. Other banned items include explosive or flammable goods, such as fuel and matches, and liquids and gels in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of your aircraft are no place for a fashion parade. Wear comfortable clothes and remember to take a cardigan as the temperature can drop inside the cabin. Flat, enclosed shoes are always a good idea too.
• Most travelers are aware of DVT (deep vein thrombosis), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged periods of sitting. There are plenty of ways to mitigate your risk. Wear a good-quality pair of compression socks or tights, drink lots of water often and remember to keep your legs and feet moving. Do a few laps of the cabin or try out some simple stretches in your seat.

It's all about being prepared. We've put together some tips and tricks for a speedy trip through airport security. Look out Peki'in, here you come:

• Airport security personnel first need to know that you have a valid ID and travel documents before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them ready to show.
• The X-ray machine is up next. Remove anything on you that is likely to set off the alarm. This includes items like headphones or earphones, as well as heavy jackets or coats. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• All your electronics, including your tablet and phone, will also need to be scanned separately.
• Remove gels and liquids from your carry-on luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you a few precious minutes. Boots and bulky shoes are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on sneakers usually aren't.
• Sharp or pointed objects (like knives and scissors) are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them in your checked suitcase.