Cheap Flights to San Francisco

If you're not prepared, travelling can be testing. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy tips for a hassle-free start to your getaway in San Francisco. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First, pack in your passport, official ID, wallet and medications. Next, you'll need some extra in-flight entertainment to while away the hours. A juicy novel and a phone crammed with your favourite shows are some great options. If you intend to catch more than just forty winks, a comfy neck pillow and some earplugs will also be useful. Finally, make room for a toothbrush and some deodorant so you'll touchdown feeling fresh as a daisy.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items differs between air carriers, the general rule of thumb is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, knives, fuel and fireworks. Sporting equipment like ice skates, and objects that could injure passengers, such as swords and batons, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an airplane aren't the place for a fashion parade. Layer up with comfortable clothing and choose shoes that are roomy, flat and easy to slip on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potential risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clots forming due to poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

The trick is to be well organised before you arrive at the security gate. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to San Francisco in a flash. Follow these tips and get your holiday off to a terrific start:

• Keep your travel documents and passport handy. They're the first items you'll be asked to present to airport security.
• Next up is the X-ray machine. Empty your pockets and remove anything metal that is likely to beep. This includes items like earphones or headphones, as well as heavy jackets or coats. They'll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• Your electronic devices like phones and laptops will also have to go through the machine for inspection. Don't worry though, you'll be back online in no time.
• Remove all liquids and gels from your hand luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit in a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you valuable minutes. Boots and bulky shoes are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on sneakers are usually not.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, put them in your checked luggage. They won't be allowed in the cabin.