Cheap Flights to Boston

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be a real challenge. But there's no need to worry. Follow these helpful hints and enjoy a pain-free start to your time in Boston. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a hassle-free travel experience is to plan ahead. Start with the essentials: passport, boarding pass, credit cards and any vital medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help while away those hours, like some electronic gadgets or a magazine. It's also wise to pack your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of earphones. And of course, be sure to chuck 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 banned items can differ between airlines, the general guide to follow is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, knives, aerosol cans and flares. Sports equipment like ice skates, and items that could harm other people, such as firearms and swords, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Go for comfort over style. Prepare for changes in cabin temperature by dressing in layers, and pick flat, enclosed footwear like sneakers.
• Caused by sustained periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect passengers during long-haul flights. Reduce the risks by staying hydrated, keeping your legs and ankles moving and wearing compression socks to help your circulation.

It's all about being organised. We've compiled some tips and tricks for a fuss-free trip through security. Look out Boston, here you come:

• Security personnel first need to verify that you have a valid ID and matching boarding pass before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them within easy reach, ready for inspection.
• After that, both you and your hand luggage will be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Personal belongings like your belt, coat and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• All electronic devices, including your tablet and phone, will also need to be scanned separately.
• Remove all liquids and gels from your carry-on luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit in a single quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you valuable minutes. Boots and heavy shoes are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Lightweight sneakers are usually not.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp objects in the cabin. If you must bring these kinds of items, check them in.