Cheap Flights to Virginia

If you'd like to save some cash on your Virginia holiday, listen up! As any seasoned jet-setter knows, don't leave booking until the last minute. Fares are often highest close to the departure date. Another easy way to pick up the best price is to shop around. If where you're headed has more than one airport, research the cost of flying into a less busy terminal. Finally, another easy way to save a few dollars is be ready to book at a moment's notice. If you find an amazing bargain, don't think twice — snap it up while you've got the chance.

Depending on where you’re coming from, your flight to Virginia could be as easy as pie or it could go on forever. We've compiled some useful hints that will help you start your next big adventure on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Travelling on a plane can be a comfortable experience if you pack the right gear. First things first, you'll need basic toiletry items, such as lip balm and hand cream, a spare pair of socks and something to read. Next, leave space in your carry-on bag for your mobile phone, a charger, medications and maybe a proper neck pillow as well. Lastly, and most importantly, remember to bring your passport, travel docs and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items can differ between air carriers, the general rule of thumb is nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, drills, fireworks and fuel. Sporting equipment like bows and arrows, and objects that could harm other people, such as firearms and ammunition, aren't allowed in the cabin either.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of a plane are no place for a fashion parade. Layer up with comfortable clothing and opt for shoes that are flat and easy to pull on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to walk around the cabin and stretch your legs or do some gentle exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

As seasoned travellers know, the secret is to be prepared before you reach security. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Virginia in a flash. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a spectacular start:

• Be sure to have your ID and boarding pass within close reach. They're the first things you'll be asked to present to airport security.
• Next up, both you and your hand luggage will be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that might set the alarms off. Items like your coat, belt and earphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few minutes, you'll have to unplug from the digital world. Your tablet, phone and any other electronic gadgets also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Remove gels and liquids from your carry-on bag. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit in a single quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several precious minutes. Hiking or heavy-style boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Lightweight sneakers usually aren't.
• Sharp items like knives are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so pack them safely away in your checked suitcase.