Cheap Flights to Porto

Depending on where you're coming from, your trip to Porto could be completely painless or it could drag on forever. We've compiled some useful hints that will help you start your next great escape on a positive note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Travelling on a plane can be a stress-free experience if you've got all the right things. Firstly, you'll want a few toiletry items, such as deodorant and a toothbrush, a spare change of clothes and something to read. Secondly, make room in your bag for your phone, tablet and chargers, your important medications and perhaps a blow-up neck pillow too. Lastly, don't forget to bring your passport, travel docs and your credit cards.

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 zippers of your carry-on luggage. Other prohibited items include flammable or explosive substances, such as fuel and fireworks, and gels and liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• Your aim here is to feel as comfortable as possible. Go for shoes that are easy to pull on and off, dress in loose, natural-fibre clothing and don't forget to take a jacket in case you get chilly in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Wander around the cabin and stretch your legs or do some gentle exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

It's all about being prepared. We've compiled some tips and tricks for a stress-free trip through security. Watch out Porto, here you come:

• Airport security personnel first need to see that you have a valid passport and travel documents before anything else. Have them ready for inspection.
• After that, both you and your hand luggage will be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that might set the alarms off. Items such as your coat, belt and headphones need to go through the machine.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your tablet and phone, are also required to be scanned.
• Any gels or liquids, such as hair oil or hand cream, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you valuable minutes. Hiking or heavy-style boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on sneakers are usually not.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp items or pocket knives in your carry-on baggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked baggage.