Cheap Flights to West Point

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be a pleasurable experience if you prepare well enough. Follow these top travel tips that will help get your West Point escape started on the right foot.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a great travel experience is to be prepared. First up, the essentials: passport, travel documents, cash and any vital medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you busy, like some electronic gadgets or a magazine. You'll also want to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of headphones. And of course, be sure to chuck in toiletries like a toothbrush, lip balm and a clean T-shirt.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Put all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hair gel in your checked baggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by authorities. Pointed or sharp objects, like a Swiss Army knife, and products which are explosive or flammable, such as flares, bleaching agents and gasoline, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• The best way to ensure a comfortable flight often lies in your choice of clothes. Prepare yourself for varying temperatures by layering up. This will keep you nice and warm if the cabin gets chilly. Shoes like sandals and heels are best left in your checked suitcase. Instead, opt for flat, closed-toed footwear like slip-ons. Your feet will appreciate it.
• Unfortunately, one risk of long-haul flights is developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged inactivity. To avoid this, make the most of every opportunity to stretch your legs and walk around the cabin. Compression tights and socks are another simple way to help reduce this risk.

It's all about being organized. We've pulled together some helpful hints for a hassle-free trip through airport security. Watch out West Point, here you come:

• Be sure to have your ID and travel documents within close reach. They'll be the first things you'll be asked to show at security.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your jacket, belt, keys and other small items, like coins, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• For just a few minutes, you'll have to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, tablet and any other electronic devices also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Traveling with a new perfume or cologne? As long as the volume is no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a clear zip-close bag, you're allowed to bring it with you in your carry-on.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several minutes. Hiking or heavy-style boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on shoes are usually not.
• Airlines won't allow any pocket knives or other sharp items in your hand luggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked baggage.