Cheap Flights to Southwest

If you're not prepared, travelling can be challenging. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy hints and enjoy a comfortable start to your holiday in Southwest. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First of all, pack your passport, important documents, bank cards and vital medications. Next, you'll want some extra in-flight entertainment to help pass the time. A juicy novel and a laptop filled with your favourite shows are some terrific options. If you intend to catch up on some sleep, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earplugs will also be useful. Finally, squeeze in a toothbrush and some cleansing wipes so you'll arrive feeling fresh as a daisy.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have a pocket knife lurking in the bottom of your carry-on luggage. Other banned items include flammable or explosive goods, such as aerosol cans and fuel, and gels and liquids in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• Your main aim is to feel as comfortable as you can. Go for a pair of slip-on shoes, dress in loose, natural fibers and remember to take a jacket in case you get chilly in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clots forming due to poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

The trick is to be prepared before you arrive at airport security. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Southwest in the blink of an eye. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a fantastic start:

• Your boarding pass and passport will need to be presented to airport security. Have them easily accessible so you don't have to dig around for them.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on bag will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Personal belongings such as your jacket, belt and headphones need to go through the machine.
• Your electronic devices like phones and laptops will also have to go on a tray for inspection. Don't worry, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Any gels or liquids, such as hair oil or hand cream, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a practical footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when going through security. Big boots and other heavy shoes are usually subjected to extra screening.
• Knives and other sharp items are not allowed on board. They'll be seized at security, so pack them in your checked bags.