£331 Cheap Flights to Washington

Depending on where you're coming from, your flight to Washington could be simple and straightforward or it could go on forever. We've compiled some useful tips that will help you start your next great adventure on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• It's easy — first, put in your passport, official ID, credit cards and vital medications. Next, you'll need some entertainment to while away the hours. A juicy book and a laptop filled with your favourite movies are always good options. If you hope to catch a few z's, a neck pillow and some noise-cancelling headphones will also come in handy. Finally, find room for a toothbrush and some deodorant so you'll arrive looking fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have a Swiss Army knife hiding in one of the zippers of your carry-on luggage. Other restricted items include flammable or explosive substances, such as aerosol cans and bleach, and gels and liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an aircraft aren't the place for a fashion parade. Layer up with comfortable clothing and choose shoes that are flat and easy to remove.
• Most travellers have heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by long periods of inactivity. To lower your risk on board, stay hydrated, consider wearing compression tights or socks and keep your feet and legs moving.

Being prepared before you arrive at the airport will make your getaway to Washington quick and painless. Below you'll find some useful tips and tricks for a speedy journey through security:

• First things first. Your passport and travel documents will need to be shown to airport security. Have them close by to avoid fumbling around for them.
• Next up is the X-ray machine. Remove anything metal on you that is likely to beep. This includes things like earphones or headphones, as well as your coat or jacket. They'll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• Your electronic devices like phones and laptops will also need to go on a tray to be scanned. Don't worry, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Remove all liquids and gels from your carry-on luggage. They often 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 in a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a good footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when passing through security. Safety boots and heavier-style shoes are usually 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 baggage.