Cheap Flights to Santa

Depending on where you're coming from, your trip to Santa could be completely painless or it could drag on forever. We've rounded up some useful tips that will help you start your next great escape on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First and foremost, put in your passport, travel docs, bank cards and daily medications. Next, you'll want some extra in-flight entertainment to while away the hours. A thrilling novel and a tablet crammed with your favourite movies are some fantastic options. If you plan to take a short snooze, a comfy neck pillow and some earplugs will also come in handy. Finally, leave some space for a toothbrush and some cleansing wipes to ensure you arrive looking fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items differs between air carriers, the general guide to follow is avoid carrying anything flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, drills, aerosol cans and flares. Sports equipment like hockey sticks, and objects that could harm passengers, such as firearms and swords, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an aircraft aren't the place for a fashion parade. Dress in comfortable layers and pick shoes that are flat, enclosed and easy to remove.
• Most of us have heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity. To lessen your risk on board, stay hydrated, consider wearing compression tights or socks and move your lower limbs often.

The simple answer is — be prepared. We've pulled together some handy tips and tricks for an easy trip through security. Watch out Santa, here you come:

• Be sure to have your passport and travel documents close by. They're the first items you'll be asked for by airport security.
• The X-ray machine is up next. Remove anything on you that is likely to set off the scanner's alarm. This includes items like headphones or earphones, as well as heavy coats or jackets. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• All your electronic devices, including your phone and laptop, must also be separately scanned.
• Any liquids or gels, such as perfume or toothpaste, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• It's also likely that you'll need to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a smart idea.
• Sharp items such as knives and scissors can't be taken on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them safely away in your checked baggage.