Cheap Flights to São Francisco

We've got the lowdown on how to make your flight as enjoyable as possible. Follow our insider tips and you'll be breezing through the airport and seeing the best of São Francisco in no time at all. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Firstly, and most importantly, pack your passport, important documents, cash and vital medications. Next, you'll need some extra in-flight entertainment to while away the hours. A juicy novel and a phone crammed with your favourite movies are some fantastic options. If you plan to catch forty winks, a neck pillow and a pair of earplugs will also come in handy. Finally, find room for a toothbrush and some deodorant to ensure you step off the plane feeling fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have sharp or pointed objects hiding in one of the compartments of your carry-on luggage. Other banned items include explosive or flammable goods, such as fuel and matches, and liquids and gels in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

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

It's all about being prepared. We've compiled some tips and tricks for a fuss-free trip through security. Watch out São Francisco, here you come:

• Keep your travel documents and ID close by. They're the first items you'll be asked to present to airport security.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your coat, belt, 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 it gets closer to your turn.
• Your electronic gadgets like phones and laptops will also have to go through the machine for inspection. No need to worry though, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Don't forget to remove gels and liquids from your carry-on bag. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each product 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.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several precious minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on shoes usually aren't.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, put them in your checked suitcase. They won't be allowed in the cabin.