Cheap Flights to Russia

Depending on where you're coming from, your journey to Russia could be no sweat at all or it could drag on forever. Below are some useful travel tips that will help you start your next big adventure on a positive note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a worry-free travel experience is to pack ahead. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, travel docs, credit cards and medications. Next, bring items that'll help while away those hours, like some electronic gadgets or a magazine. You'll also want to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earphones. Finally, be sure to toss in toiletries like a toothbrush, lip balm and a clean set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items differs between air carriers, the general rule to follow is nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes things like screwdrivers, blades, aerosol cans and bleaching agents. Sports equipment like hockey sticks, and objects that could harm other people, such as pepper spray and guns, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of a plane aren't the place for a fashion parade. Layer up with comfortable clothing and pick shoes that are flat and easy to remove.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to walk around the cabin and stretch your legs or do some simple exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

A little pre-planning before your flight will make your trip to Russia quick and painless. We've compiled some handy hints for a stress-free journey through security:

• Airport security personnel first need to know that you have a valid ID and matching boarding pass before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them ready for inspection.
• Your belt, jacket, keys and other items in your pocket, like your headphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them as your turn draws near.
• All electronic devices, including your phone and tablet, are also required to be scanned separately.
• Travelling with a new cologne? 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, it's OK to bring with you in your carry-on baggage.
• Lightweight sneakers are a sensible footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when passing through security. Safety boots and other heavy-style shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Knives and other sharp items are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them safely away in your checked baggage.