Cheap Flights to Shannon

We've got the lowdown on how to make your journey as pain-free as possible. Follow our tips and you'll be speeding through the airport and seeing the best of Shannon in next to no time. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having an amazing flight experience is to pack ahead. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, travel docs, bank cards and any vital medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you occupied, like some electronic gadgets or a good read. You'll also want to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of headphones. And of course, don't forget to pop in toiletries like a toothbrush, lip balm and a clean set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Leave all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner in your checked baggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) will be confiscated by authorities. Sharp objects, like your treasured pocket knife, and products which are explosive or flammable, such as aerosol cans, flares and matches, are also prohibited.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of a plane are no place for a fashion parade. Layer up with comfortable clothing and opt for shoes that are roomy, flat and easy to take on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting 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 you arrive at the airport will help make your getaway to Shannon a pleasure. We've compiled some useful tips and tricks for a swift journey past security:

• Be sure to keep your boarding pass and ID someplace easily accessible. They're the first items you'll be asked for by security.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your belt, coat, keys and other items in your pocket, like your headphones, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them before your turn.
• All electronic gadgets, including your laptop and phone, must also be separately scanned.
• Travelling with a new hand cream? No problem. As long as it's in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and it's stored in a zip-lock bag, you can keep it with you on board.
• There's a good chance you'll be required to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a clever idea.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp items or pocket knives in your hand luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked luggage.