Cheap Flights to Charleston

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be challenging. But there's no need to worry. Follow these useful tips for a hassle-free start to your time in Charleston. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First and foremost, pack your passport, travel docs, credit cards and vital medications. Next, you'll need some extra in-flight entertainment to while away the hours. A thrilling novel and a laptop crammed with your favourite movies are some wonderful options. If you hope to take a short snooze, a comfy neck pillow and some earplugs will also be useful. Finally, squeeze in a toothbrush and some deodorant to ensure you arrive at your destination feeling fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items can differ between air carriers, the general guide to follow is nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes things like tools, metal cutlery, spray paint and fireworks. Sports equipment like ice skates, and objects that could harm other people, such as pepper spray and firearms, aren't allowed in the cabin either.

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to choose comfort over style. Prepare for changes in cabin temperature by wearing layers, and opt for easy-to-remove footwear like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-distance flights. It results from blood clots forming due to poor circulation, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

As seasoned travellers know, the secret is to be well prepared before you get to security. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Charleston in no time at all. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a flying start:

• Keep your passport and travel documents at hand. They're the first things you'll be asked for by security.
• Your belt, jacket, keys and other small items, like coins, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them before your turn.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your laptop, phone and any other electronics also need to go through the scanner.
• Remove liquids and gels from your carry-on luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a great footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when passing through security. Safety boots and other bulky shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp objects in your carry-on baggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, check them in.