Cheap Flights to Vienna

Depending on where you're coming from, your flight to Vienna could be a piece of cake or it could drag on forever. We've pulled together some useful hints that will help you start your next great escape on a positive note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a great flight experience is to pack in advance. First up, the essentials: passport, travel docs, bank cards and any vital medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help while away those hours, like some electronic devices or a juicy novel. You'll also want to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earphones. And of course, be sure to pop in toiletries like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a fresh change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items can differ between air carriers, the general guide to follow is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, pocket knives, aerosol cans and flares. Sporting equipment like bows and arrows, and items that could harm other people, such as pepper spray and guns, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your top priority is to feel as comfortable as possible. Go for flat, closed-toe shoes, dress in loose, natural fibers and remember to bring a jacket in case it gets cold in the cabin.
• You've probably heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by long periods of sitting. To lessen your risk on board, drink lots of water, consider wearing compression tights or socks and keep your legs and feet moving.

The answer is — be prepared. We've rounded up some handy tips and tricks for a fuss-free trip through security. Watch out Vienna, here you come:

• Airport security personnel first need to make sure that you have a valid ID and travel documents before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them ready for inspection.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your coat, belt, keys and other items in your pocket, like coins, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• Your electronic devices like laptops and phones will also have to go on a tray for inspection. Don't worry, you'll be back online in no time.
• Traveling with your favorite perfume? As long as it's in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a zip-close bag, you can bring it with you in your carry-on.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several valuable minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Lightweight sneakers are usually not.
• Sharp or pointed items are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so put them in your checked suitcase.