Cheap Flights to Winter

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be a seamless experience if you're prepared. Check out these handy tips that will get your Winter holiday started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Flying can be a cruisy experience if you take the right gear. First things first, you'll need toiletry items, such as a toothbrush and lip balm, a spare change of clothes and a good novel. Next, find room in your hand luggage for your mobile phone, a charger, your important medications and maybe a blow-up neck pillow as well. Lastly, and most importantly, remember to bring your passport, travel docs and some cash.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Leave all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hair gel in your checked baggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) won't be allowed on. Pointed or sharp objects, like your treasured Swiss Army knife, and dangerous products which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosols and fireworks, are also banned.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an aircraft aren't the place for a fashion parade. Layer your clothing and opt for shoes that are flat and easy to take on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-haul 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.

It's easy — be prepared. We've pulled together some top tips for a fuss-free trip through security. Watch out Winter, here you come:

• Airport security personnel first need to know that you have a valid passport and travel documents before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them in your hand, ready for inspection.
• Your belt, coat, keys and other contents of your pockets, like coins, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them before your turn arrives.
• For just a few moments, you'll have to unplug from technology. Your laptop, phone and any other electronics also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Don't forget to remove gels and liquids from your carry-on luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each product should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit in a single quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• It's also possible you'll be required to take your shoes off to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a clever idea.
• 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 on board.