Find the Cheapest Flight to New York

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be tough. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy tips and enjoy a hassle-free start to your time in New York. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a great flight experience is to pack in advance. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, official ID, bank cards and daily medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you occupied, like your laptop or a thrilling novel. It's also wise to pack your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of headphones. And of course, be sure to pop in toiletry items like a toothbrush, lip balm and a fresh change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have sharp objects (like a knife or scissors) hiding in one of the zippers of your hand luggage. Other banned items include flammable or explosive goods, like aerosols and matches, and liquids and gels in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your highest priority when choosing what to wear on board. Loose, breathable clothing is a wise option, as are flat, slightly roomy shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-distance flights. It results from blood clots forming due to poor circulation, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

Being organized before your flight can make your getaway to New York a breeze. Read through our handy hints for a speedy journey through security:

• Be sure to have your boarding pass and passport within easy reach. They'll be the first things you'll be asked to show at airport security.
• Next up, both you and your hand luggage will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Personal belongings like your jacket, belt and earphones need to go through the machine.
• All your electronics, including your laptop and phone, will also need to be scanned separately.
• Any gels or liquids, such as perfume or hairspray, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), zip-lock bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a great footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when going through security. Safety boots and other heavy shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, pack them safely away in your checked suitcase. They won't be allowed on board and will be confiscated.