Cheap Flights to Manhattan

If you're poorly prepared, travelling can be challenging. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these helpful hints for a pain-free start to your holiday in Manhattan. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a stress-free flight experience is to pack ahead. Start with the essentials: passport, travel documents, credit cards and important medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help pass the time, like some electronic devices or a juicy novel. It's also wise to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of headphones. And of course, be sure to squeeze in toiletry items like a toothbrush, deodorant and a clean T-shirt.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items differs between airlines, the general guide to follow is nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes things like knives, scissors, fuels and bleaching agents. Sports equipment like hockey sticks, and items that could injure passengers, 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. Choose slip-on footwear, dress in loose, natural-fibre clothing and don't forget to bring a sweater in case it gets chilly in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-distance flights. It results from blood clots forming due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

It's all about being prepared. We've pulled together some tips and tricks for a speedy trip through airport security. Watch out Manhattan, here you come:

• First things first. Your boarding pass and passport will need to be inspected by airport security. Have them easily accessible to avoid fumbling around for them.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your belt, coat, keys and other small items, like your headphones, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them before your turn arrives.
• Your electronic devices like phones and laptops will also need to go on a tray for inspection. Don't worry though, you'll be back online in no time.
• Remember to remove liquids and gels from your hand luggage. They usually 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 inside a single quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• There's a chance you'll be asked to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a smart idea.
• Pocket knives and other sharp items are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so pack them in your checked suitcase.