Cheap Flights to Virginia

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be an enjoyable experience if you've prepared well enough. We've put together a list of handy hints that will help get your Virginia holiday started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a stress-free flight experience is to pack ahead. Start with the essentials: passport, boarding pass, cash and daily medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you busy, like some electronic gadgets or a thrilling novel. You'll also want to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of headphones. Last but not least, be sure to toss in toiletries like a toothbrush, deodorant and a clean T-shirt.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Pack all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hair gel 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 trusty pocket knife, and dangerous goods which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosols and gasoline, are also not allowed.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your main aim is to feel as comfortable as possible. Pick slip-on footwear, dress in loose, natural-fibre clothing and remember to bring a pullover in case you get cold in the cabin.
• 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.

Being prepared before your flight will help make your getaway to Virginia a breeze. Below you'll find some top tips for a swift journey through security:

• Security personnel first need to verify that you have a valid ID and boarding pass before anything else. Have them ready to show.
• After that, both you and your carry-on bag must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Personal belongings like your jacket, belt and earphones need to go through the machine.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your phone and laptop, will also need to be separately scanned.
• Any liquids or gels, such as perfume or hand cream, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• It's also likely that you'll be required to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a wise idea.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, pack them in your checked baggage. They won't be allowed in the cabin.