Cheap Flights to Hartford

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

• The trick to having an awesome flight experience is to plan ahead. First up, the essentials: passport, official ID, credit cards and medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you entertained, like some electronic devices or a thrilling novel. It's also smart to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earphones. Last but not least, don't forget to chuck in toiletries like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a spare set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items can differ between airlines, the general rule of thumb is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes things like knives, scissors, spray paint and flares. Sporting equipment like ice skates, and items that could injure passengers, such as swords and batons, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• Go for comfort over style. Prepare for changes in cabin temperature by layering up, and pick flat, enclosed shoes like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-distance flights. It's the result of blood clots forming due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

As seasoned travellers know, the secret is to be well organised before you get to airport security. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Hartford in next to no time. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a flying start:

• Your passport and travel documents will need to be shown to airport security. Keep them at hand to avoid fumbling around for them.
• Your jacket, belt, keys and other small items, like coins, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• All electronic gadgets, including your tablet and phone, must also be scanned separately.
• Want to bring along your favourite hand and nail cream? Not a problem. As long as it's in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and it's stored in a clear zip-close bag, you're permitted to bring it with you in your carry-on.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several valuable minutes. Boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on sneakers are usually not.
• Sharp items such as knives and scissors can't be taken on board. They'll be seized at security, so put them in your checked baggage.