Cheap Flights to Flimby

If you're not prepared, airports and flying can be testing. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy hints and enjoy a pain-free start to your holiday in Flimby. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having an amazing travel experience is to pack in advance. First up, the essentials: passport, travel docs, cash and any vital medications. Next, take on board items that'll help pass the time, like some electronic gadgets or a thrilling novel. It's also a wise idea to bring your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. And of course, don't forget to toss in toiletry items like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a spare 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 hand luggage. Other banned items include explosive or flammable products, such as fuel and matches, and liquids and gels in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• Choose comfort over style. Prepare for changes in temperature by layering up, and wear flat, slightly roomy footwear like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-distance flights. It results from blood clotting due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

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

• Be sure to have your ID and boarding pass within easy reach. They'll be the first things you'll be asked for by airport security.
• Next up is the X-ray machine. Remove anything on you that is likely to set off the scanner's alarm. This includes things like earphones or headphones, as well as heavy coats or jackets. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• All electronic gadgets, including your laptop and phone, must also be scanned separately.
• Any liquids or gels, such as perfume or hairspray, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a practical footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when going through security. Safety boots and heavier-style shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp items or pocket knives in your carry-on baggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked luggage.