Cheap Flights to London

We've rounded up all the info you need to make your journey an enjoyable experience. Follow our insider tips and you'll be breezing through airport security and discovering London before you know it. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a hassle-free travel experience is to pack in advance. Start with the essentials: passport, official ID, credit cards and any vital medications. Next, take on board items that'll help while away those hours, like some electronic devices or a good read. It's also a wise idea to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earphones. And of course, don't forget to toss in toiletry items like a toothbrush, deodorant and a spare set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items differs between air carriers, the general rule to follow is nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes tools, metal cutlery, fuel and fireworks. Sporting equipment like golf clubs, and items that could harm passengers, such as firearms and ammunition, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an aircraft are no place for a fashion parade. Dress in comfortable layers and go for shoes that are flat, enclosed and easy to pull on and off.
• Caused by prolonged periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot condition that can affect some passengers during long-distance flights. Lower your risks by drinking water, keeping your legs and ankles moving and wearing compression socks or tights.

The trick is to be well organised before you arrive at the security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to London in next to no time. Follow these helpful tips and get your holiday off to a great start:

• Security personnel first need to establish that you have a valid passport and matching boarding pass before anything else. Keep them close by.
• 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 as it gets closer to your turn.
• Electronic devices like laptops and phones will also have to go through the machine for inspection. Don't worry though, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Remember to remove liquids and gels from your carry-on luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each item should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit in a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• There's a chance you'll be asked to take your shoes off to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a wise idea.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, pack them in your checked suitcase. They won't be allowed in the cabin.