Cheap Flights to Alaska

Don't leave booking your flight to Alaska until the last possible moment. That's one move well-versed jet-setters use to get the best prices. Booking ahead means more choices and less expensive flights. Also, look around online and compare your options. If your destination has more than one airport, you may be able to score an excellent deal by flying into one a little further out. And finally, remember that it's first in, best dressed. Know what a typical airfare costs and have your credit card ready to snap up a ticket as soon as you spot an unbeatable bargain. The best deals don't last long.

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be tough. But there's no need to panic. Follow these helpful hints and enjoy a hassle-free start to your holiday in Alaska. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane ride can be a comfortable experience if you bring the right gear. Firstly, you'll need toiletry items, such as deodorant and a toothbrush, a clean pair of socks and a good book. Secondly, leave space in your hand luggage for your phone, tablet and chargers, any vital medications and maybe a comfy neck pillow too. Last, but definitely not least, don't forget to take your passport, travel documents and some cash.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have sharp objects (like a pocket knife) lurking in the bottom of your hand luggage. Other prohibited items include flammable or explosive substances, like aerosols and matches, and gels and liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• Your top priority is to be as comfortable as possible. Go for slip-on footwear, dress in loose, natural fibers and remember to bring a pullover in case you get chilly in the cabin.
• Caused by prolonged periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect some passengers during long flights. Lower your risks by staying hydrated, keeping your lower limbs moving and wearing compression socks to help improve your circulation.

Being prepared before you arrive at the airport will help make your getaway to Alaska a piece of cake. Check out our top tips for a stress-free journey through security:

• Be sure to keep your ID and travel documents handy. They're the first things you'll be asked for by security.
• Your belt, coat, keys and other small items, like coins, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them as your turn draws near.
• All electronic gadgets, including your phone and tablet, must also be scanned.
• Any liquids or gels, such as toothpaste or perfume, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you valuable minutes. Hiking or heavy-style boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Lightweight sneakers are usually not.
• Sharp items are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so put them in your checked luggage.