Cheap Flights to Birsay from CA $276

If you're not prepared, airports and flying can be testing. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these helpful hints for a trouble-free start to your getaway in Birsay. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane trip can be a cruisy experience if you pack the right gear. Firstly, you'll want a few basic toiletries, such as lip balm and hand cream, a spare pair of socks and a good read. Next, find room in your bag for your mobile phone, a charger, any vital medications and perhaps a proper neck pillow too. Lastly, be sure to bring your passport, travel papers and some cash.

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 avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, blades, fuel and fireworks. Sports equipment like golf clubs, and objects that could injure passengers, such as swords and guns, aren't allowed in the cabin either.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an aircraft aren't the place for a fashion parade. Layer up with comfy clothing and choose shoes that are flat and easy to take on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-distance flights. It's the result of blood clots forming due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

The answer is — be prepared. We've put together some useful tips for an easy trip through security. Look out Birsay, here you come:

• Airport security personnel first need to determine that you have a valid passport and matching travel documents before anything else. Have them ready for inspection.
• Next up is the X-ray machine. Remove anything on you that is likely to beep. This includes things like earphones or headphones, as well as bulky coats or jackets. They'll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your laptop, phone and any other electronic gadgets will also need to go through the scanner.
• Remove all liquids and gels from your carry-on luggage. 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 quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a clever footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when passing through security. Big boots and other heavy-style shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp objects in your hand luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, check them in.