Cheap Flights to Arlington

Don't leave locking in your flight to Arlington until the very last minute. That's one trick frequent jet-setters use to get the best deals. Booking in advance means more choices and more affordable flights. Don't stop there, however. Do some research and find out if there are a few airports at your destination. Fares often differ depending on which airport you jet into. Make sure you compare prices across airlines as well. Finally, be ready to lock in your seat quickly if you stumble on a real bargain. It might not be available for too long! With a bit of know-how and a little luck, the ideal fare will be yours.

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be challenging. But there's no need to panic. Follow these useful tips for a trouble-free start to your time in Arlington. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First, pack in your passport, travel documents, bank cards and daily medications. Next, you'll need some in-flight entertainment to while away the hours. A juicy novel and a laptop crammed with your favourite movies are some terrific options. If you hope to take a short nap, a neck pillow and some noise-cancelling headphones will also be useful. Finally, squeeze in a toothbrush and some cleansing wipes to ensure you step off the plane feeling fresh as a daisy.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Leave all your full-sized bottles of hair gel and hairspray in your checked baggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) will be confiscated. Sharp or pointed objects, like your trusty pocket knife, and products which are explosive or flammable, such as flares, chemicals agents and fireworks, are also not allowed.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your priority is to be as comfortable as you can. Pick easy-to-remove footwear, dress in loose, natural fibers and don't forget to take a sweater in case you get chilly in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clotting due to inactivity and poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

Being organised before you get to the airport will help make your trip to Arlington a piece of cake. Read through our handy tips for a swift journey past security:

• Be sure to keep your passport and boarding pass within easy reach. They're the first things you'll be asked to show at security.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your jacket, belt, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your headphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them as your turn draws near.
• All your electronic devices, including your phone and laptop, are also required to be scanned.
• Any gels or liquids, such as shampoo or hairspray, that you want to bring 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), clear zip-close bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several minutes. Boots and heavy shoes are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on sneakers are usually not.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, pack them safely away in your checked baggage. They won't be allowed on board and will be confiscated.