Cheap Flights to Richmond

Wherever you're jetting in from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you prepare well enough. Follow these handy tips that will help get your Richmond escape started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Air travel can be a stress-free experience if you've got all the right gear. First of all you'll need toiletry items, such as a toothbrush and hairbrush, a fresh set of clothes and a good read. Secondly, find room in your hand luggage for your mobile phone, a charger, your medications and maybe a neck pillow as well. Last, but definitely not least, remember to take your passport, travel papers and some money.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have sharp objects (like a pocket knife) lurking in one of the zippers of your carry-on luggage. Other banned items include flammable or explosive products, such as aerosol cans and fuel, and gels and liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of a plane aren't the place for a fashion parade. Wear layers and opt for shoes that are flat and easy to take on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-distance flights. It's the result of blood clotting due to poor circulation, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

It's all about being prepared. We've pulled together some top tips for a hassle-free trip through security. Watch out Richmond, here you come:

• Keep your travel documents and passport at hand. They'll be the first things you'll be asked for by security.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your belt, jacket, keys and other items in your pocket, like your earphones, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• Your electronic devices like phones and laptops will also have to go through the machine for inspection. Don't worry, you'll be back online in no time.
• Any gels or liquids, such as hair oil or hand cream, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one litre), zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several valuable minutes. Boots and bulky shoes are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Lightweight sneakers usually aren't.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp items or pocket knives in your carry-on baggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked baggage.