Cheap Flights to London

We've got the lowdown on how to make your flight a stress-free experience. Follow our tips and you'll be zooming through airport security and exploring London before you know it. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane trip can be a stress-free experience if you've got all the right things. Firstly, you'll need basic toiletry items, such as toothpaste, a toothbrush and some deodorant, a spare pair of socks and a few magazines. Secondly, find room in your hand luggage for your phone and charger, any daily medications and maybe a comfy neck pillow as well. Last, but definitely not least, remember to take your passport, travel docs and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Pack all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner in your checked baggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) will be confiscated by authorities. Pointed or sharp objects, like a Swiss Army knife, and products which are explosive or flammable, such as flares, chemicals agents and matches, are also not allowed.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your priority when deciding what to wear on your flight. Loose, breathable clothing is a sensible choice, as are enclosed shoes like sneakers.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clotting due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

The answer is simple — be organised. We've pulled together some handy tips and tricks for a hassle-free trip through airport security. Watch out London, here you come:

• Airport security personnel first need to verify that you have a valid ID and matching travel documents before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them close by, ready for inspection.
• Next up, both you and your hand luggage must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Personal belongings like your belt, coat and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your phone and tablet, will also need to be scanned.
• Travelling with your favourite hand and nail cream? No problem. As long as the volume is no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and it's stored in a zip-close bag, you're allowed to bring it with you in your carry-on luggage.
• Lightweight sneakers are a practical footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when passing through security. Boots and other bulky shoes are usually subjected to extra screening.
• Sharp items can't be taken on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them in your checked suitcase.