£88 Cheap Flights to San Francisco

Depending on where you're coming from, your flight to San Francisco could be completely stress-free or it could drag on forever. We've rounded up some handy travel tips that will help you start your next big adventure on a positive note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane ride can be easy if you take the right things. First things first, you'll need basic toiletries, such as deodorant, toothpaste and a toothbrush, a clean set of clothes and a magazine or two. Next, leave space in your bag for your electronic gadgets, chargers, your important medications and maybe a neck pillow as well. Last, but definitely not least, be sure to bring your passport, travel papers and some cash.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have a pocket knife hiding in one of the compartments of your hand luggage. Other prohibited items include explosive or flammable substances, such as aerosol cans and bleach, and gels and liquids in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to choose comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes by dressing in layers, and pick closed-toe, flat shoes like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-distance flights. It results from blood clotting due to poor circulation, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

The trick is to be well organised before you arrive at airport security. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to San Francisco before you know it. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a spectacular start:

• Your travel documents and ID will need to be presented to security personnel. Have them close by so you don't have to dig around for them.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on bag must be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Personal belongings such as your jacket, belt and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• All your electronics, including your laptop and phone, must also be scanned separately.
• Any liquids or gels, such as perfume or hand cream, that you want to take on board must be no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several minutes. Boots and bulky 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 objects like a pocket knife or tools, put them in your checked suitcase. They won't be allowed in the cabin.