Cheap Flights to Portland from CA $71

We've got the lowdown on how to make your flight an enjoyable experience. Follow our tips and you'll be breezing through airport security and having a ball in Portland in no time at all. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First and foremost, put in your passport, important documents, wallet and daily medications. Next, you'll need some in-flight entertainment to help pass the time. A thrilling novel and a phone crammed with your favourite movies are some terrific options. If you intend to catch a few z's, a neck pillow and some earplugs will also come in handy. Finally, find room for a toothbrush and some facial wipes to ensure you arrive at your destination looking and feeling fresh.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Pack all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hairspray in your checked baggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) will be confiscated by security. Pointed or sharp objects, like your precious Swiss Army knife, and products which are explosive or flammable, such as aerosols and poisons, are also not allowed.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your top priority is to feel as comfortable as possible. Choose a pair of slip-on shoes, dress in loose, natural-fibre clothing and don't forget to bring a pullover in case you get chilly in the cabin.
• Most of us have heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by long periods of sitting. To reduce your risk on board, drink lots of water, consider wearing compression socks and move your lower limbs often.

As savvy travellers know, the secret is to be organized before you get to airport security. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Portland in the blink of an eye. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a fantastic start:

• Be sure to keep your boarding pass and passport within easy 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 is likely to trigger the alarm. Items like your jacket, belt and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• Your electronic gadgets like phones and laptops will also need to go on a tray to be scanned. No need to worry though, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Remove liquids and gels from your carry-on bag. They often need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a sensible footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when going through security. Big boots and heavier-style shoes are usually subjected to extra screening.
• Sharp or pointed items are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them in your checked suitcase.