Cheap Flights to Colorado

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be overwhelming. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy tips for a stress-free start to your holiday in Colorado. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a pain-free flight experience is to pack ahead. So, let's start with the basics: passport, official ID, bank cards and important medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you entertained, like some electronic devices or a magazine. It's also smart to bring your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of headphones. And of course, be sure to pop in toiletries like a toothbrush, lip balm and a fresh change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items differs between air carriers, the general rule of thumb is nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes knives, scissors, fuel and fireworks. Sports equipment like bows and arrows, and objects that could harm other people, such as firearms and ammunition, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your priority is to feel as comfortable as you can. Pick a pair of flat, closed-toe shoes, dress in loose, natural-fibre clothing and don't forget to take a sweater in case it gets chilly in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by lengthy periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Make a point of walking around the cabin or do some simple exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

Being prepared before you arrive at the airport will help make your trip to Colorado a piece of cake. Here are some handy tips and tricks for a stress-free journey through security:

• Airport security personnel first need to verify that you have a valid passport and boarding pass before you can proceed any further. Have them ready for inspection.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your jacket, belt, keys and other items in your pocket, like your earphones, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make your life 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 laptop, phone and any other electronic gadgets will also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Remember to remove liquids and gels from your hand luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each product should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit inside a single quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• It's also likely that you'll be required to take your shoes off to be X-rayed, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a good idea.
• Airlines won't allow any pocket knives or other sharp items in the cabin. If you must bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked luggage.