Cheap Flights to St. Lucia

We've got the lowdown on how to make your flight as enjoyable as possible. Follow our tips and tricks and you'll be hightailing it through airport security and seeing the best of St. Lucia in no time flat. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a pain-free travel experience is to pack ahead. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, boarding pass, bank cards and medications. Next, bring items that'll help pass the time, like some electronic devices or a good read. It's also wise to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. Finally, be sure 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:

• While the list of prohibited items differs between air carriers, the general rule of thumb is nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, pocket knives, aerosol cans and bleaching agents. Sports equipment like ice skates, and objects that could injure passengers, such as guns and swords, aren't allowed in the cabin either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your main priority when choosing what to wear on board. Loose clothing is a smart option, as are flat, enclosed shoes.
• You've probably heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged periods of sitting. To lower your risk on board, stay hydrated, consider wearing compression socks or tights and keep your feet and legs moving.

The secret is to be prepared before you reach airport security. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to St. Lucia in no time at all. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a terrific start:

• First things first. Your travel ID and boarding pass will need to be presented to security personnel. Keep them someplace accessible so you don't hold up the line.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on bag will be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that might set the alarms off. Items like your jacket, belt and earphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few moments, you'll have to unplug from technology. Your laptop, phone and any other electronics will need to be sent through the scanner.
• Any gels or liquids, such as hair oil or hand cream, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several precious minutes. Hiking or heavy-style boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on shoes usually aren't.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, pack them in your checked luggage. They won't be allowed in the cabin.