Cheap Flights to Portland

We've got the lowdown on how to make your flight as stress-free as possible. Follow our tips and you'll be cruising through airport security and exploring Portland in no time. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a stress-free travel experience is to pack in advance. First up, the essentials: passport, official ID, credit cards and important medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you occupied, like some electronic gadgets or a magazine. It's also smart to pack your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of noise-cancelling headphones. Last but not least, be sure to chuck in toiletries like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a fresh set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have a sharp object lurking in the bottom of your hand luggage. Other prohibited items include flammable or explosive substances, such as fuel and matches, and gels and liquids in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• Go for comfort over style. Prepare for changes in cabin temperature by dressing in layers, and opt for closed-toe, flat shoes like sneakers.
• The result of sustained periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect some passengers during long flights. Lower your risks by drinking water, keeping your lower limbs moving and wearing compression socks to help improve your circulation.

A little pre-planning before your flight will make your trip to Portland easy and painless. We've compiled some handy tips and tricks for a swift journey through security:

• Security personnel first need to verify that you have a valid passport and travel documents before you can proceed any further. Keep them within easy reach.
• The X-ray machine is up next. Remove anything on you that is likely to set off the alarm. This includes items like headphones or earphones, as well as bulky coats or jackets. They'll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• All electronic gadgets, including your phone and laptop, will also need to be scanned separately.
• Remember to remove gels and liquids from your hand luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each product 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.
• Lightweight sneakers are a good footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when going through security. Big boots and other heavy shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• 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 luggage.