Cheap Flights to Knock

Depending on where you're coming from, your flight to Knock could be completely stress-free or it could go on forever. Below are some useful travel tips that will help you start your next big adventure on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a pain-free travel experience is to pack in advance. So, let's start with the basics: passport, travel docs, cash and any vital medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you busy, like some electronic gadgets or a good book. It's also wise to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earphones. Finally, don't forget to toss in toiletry items like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a spare change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items differs between air carriers, the general guide to follow is avoid carrying anything flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes box cutters, razor blades, aerosol cans and bleaching agents. Sporting equipment like ice skates, and items that could injure passengers, such as pepper spray and guns, won't be allowed on board either.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an aircraft aren't the place for a fashion parade. Don comfortable layers and go for shoes that are flat, enclosed and easy to pull on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by lengthy periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to wander around the cabin or do some simple exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

The secret is to be well prepared before you arrive at the security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Knock in the blink of an eye. Follow these tips and get your holiday off to a flying start:

• Security personnel first need to check that you have a valid passport and boarding pass before anything else. Have them close by, ready for inspection.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on bag must be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Items such as your belt, coat and headphones need to go through the machine.
• All your electronics, including your tablet and phone, are also required to be scanned separately.
• Remove gels and liquids from your carry-on luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit in a single quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you a few precious minutes. Boots and bulky shoes are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on sneakers usually aren't.
• Sharp or pointed objects (like knives and scissors) are not allowed on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so put them in your checked luggage.