Cheap Flights to Washington

Depending on where you're coming from, your trip to Washington could be completely painless or it could drag on forever. Below are some handy tips that will help you start your next unforgettable escape on a positive note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a great travel experience is to pack ahead. So, let's start with the basics: passport, official ID, credit cards and daily medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you busy, like some electronic gadgets or a magazine. You'll also want to pack your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of headphones. Last but not least, be sure to squeeze in toiletries like a toothbrush, lip balm and a fresh change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items differs between airlines, the general rule to follow is nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes box cutters, razor blades, spray paint and fireworks. Sporting equipment like bows and arrows, and objects that could harm passengers, such as swords and guns, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to go for comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes by layering up, and opt for closed-toe, flat shoes like sneakers.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-distance flights. It's the result of blood clots forming due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

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

• Airport security personnel first need to make sure that you have a valid passport and matching travel documents before you can proceed any further. Have them ready to show.
• Next up, both you and your hand luggage must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that might trigger the alarms. Personal belongings like your belt, jacket and earphones need to go through the machine.
• All your electronics, including your phone and laptop, must also be scanned.
• Don't forget to remove gels and liquids from your carry-on luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each item should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a sensible footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when going through security. Big boots and other heavy-style shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Sharp or pointed items are not allowed on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so put them in your checked baggage.