Cheap Flights to New York from CA $263

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be testing. But there's no need to worry. Follow these handy tips for a pleasant start to your time in New York. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Firstly, and most importantly, pack your passport, official ID, cash and medications. Next, you'll want some extra in-flight entertainment to help pass the time. A thrilling book and a tablet filled with your favourite movies are some great options. If you hope to take a quick nap, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of earplugs will also come in handy. Finally, find room for a toothbrush and some deodorant so you'll touchdown feeling fresh as a daisy.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items differs between airlines, the general guide to follow is nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes things like tools, metal cutlery, fuel and fireworks. Sporting equipment like ski poles, and items that could injure passengers, such as guns and swords, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your top priority is to feel as comfortable as you can. Pick easy-to-remove footwear, dress in loose, breathable clothing and remember to bring a pullover in case it gets cold in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potential risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clots forming due to poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

The answer is — be prepared. We've pulled together some top tips for a stress-free trip through security. Look out New York, here you come:

• Your travel documents and passport will need to be shown to security personnel. Keep them at hand so you don't have to dig around for them.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on bag will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that might set the alarms off. Items such as your jacket, belt and headphones need to go through the machine.
• All electronic gadgets, including your phone and tablet, will also need to be scanned.
• Any liquids or gels, such as hair oil or hand cream, that you want to take on board must be no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• It's also likely that you'll be asked to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a wise idea.
• Sharp items like knives can't be taken on board. They'll be seized at security, so pack them safely away in your checked baggage.