Cheap Flights to Washington

We've pulled together all the info you need to make your flight a pleasant experience. Follow our tips and you'll be breezing through the airport and exploring Washington before you know it. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a pain-free flight experience is to pack in advance. Start with the essentials: passport, boarding pass, bank cards and important medications. Next, take on board items that'll help pass the time, like some electronic devices or a thrilling novel. It's also a wise idea to bring your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. Finally, be sure to chuck in toiletries like a toothbrush, deodorant and a clean set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have a Swiss Army knife hiding in one of the compartments of your hand luggage. Other prohibited items include flammable or explosive substances, such as fuel and fireworks, and gels and liquids in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your main concern when choosing what to wear on board. Loose, breathable clothing is a sensible option, as are flat, slip-on shoes.
• Most travellers have heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by long periods of sitting. To minimize your risk on board, drink lots of water, consider wearing compression socks and move your lower limbs often.

The answer is simple — be prepared. We've compiled some handy tips and tricks for a speedy trip through airport security. Look out Washington, here you come:

• Keep your boarding pass and ID close by. They're the first things you'll be asked to show at security.
• Your jacket, belt, keys and other items in your pocket, like coins, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• For just a few moments, you'll need to unplug from technology. Your phone, tablet and any other electronic gadgets will also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Travelling with a new cologne or perfume? 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, you can bring it with you on board.
• The right choice of footwear can save you a few precious minutes. Boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Lightweight sneakers are usually not.
• Sharp items such as knives and scissors are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them safely away in your checked suitcase.