Cheap Flights to St Patricks

Don't leave locking in your flight to St Patricks until the last minute. That's one move frequent travellers use to get the best prices. Booking ahead means more choices and cheaper flights. Don't stop there, however. Do some research and see if there are multiple airports at your destination. Ticket prices often differ depending on which airport you go for. Don't forget to compare prices across air carriers as well. Last but not least, be prepared to book quickly if you stumble on a great price. It might not stick around for too long. With a bit of knowledge and some luck, the perfect fare will be yours.

We've pulled together all the info you need to make your journey a pleasant experience. Follow our tips and you'll be breezing through airport security and exploring St Patricks in no time flat. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First and foremost, put in your passport, official ID, bank cards and daily medications. Next, you'll need some in-flight entertainment to help pass the time. A thrilling book and a tablet filled with your favourite movies are some wonderful options. If you hope to catch more than just forty winks, a quality neck pillow and some noise-cancelling headphones will also come in handy. Finally, make room for a toothbrush and some deodorant so you'll step off the plane feeling fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items can differ between airlines, the general guide to follow is nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes things like tools, metal cutlery, fireworks and fuel. Sports equipment like bows and arrows, and items that could harm passengers, such as pepper spray and firearms, aren't allowed in the cabin either.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of a plane aren't the place for a fashion parade. Layer up with comfy clothing and go for shoes that are closed-toe, flat and easy to remove.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clotting due to poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

The secret is to be prepared before you get to airport security. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to St Patricks in next to no time. Follow these helpful tips and get your holiday off to a terrific start:

• Airport security personnel first need to see that you have a valid ID and boarding pass before you're allowed to proceed any further. Keep them close by.
• The X-ray machine is up next. Empty your pockets and remove anything that is likely to set off the scanner's alarm. This includes things like headphones or earphones, as well as your coat or jacket. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• Your electronic gadgets like laptops and phones will also need to go on a tray to be scanned. No need to worry though, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Travelling with a new hand cream? Not a problem. As long as the volume is no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and it's stored in a zip-lock bag, you can bring it with you in your carry-on bag.
• There's a good chance you'll be required to take your shoes off to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a smart idea.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp objects in the cabin. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked luggage.