Cheap Flights to St. Patrick from CA $228

We've rounded up all the info you need to make your journey as pain-free as possible. Follow our insider tips and you'll be cruising through airport security and enjoying St. Patrick in no time. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Air travel can be a stress-free experience if you bring the right gear. First things first, you'll need basic toiletry items, such as deodorant and a toothbrush, a spare pair of socks and a magazine or two. Next, find room in your carry-on bag for your laptop, a charger, medications and perhaps a cozy neck pillow as well. Lastly, and most importantly, don't forget to take your passport, travel docs and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items can differ between airlines, the general rule of thumb is nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes things like box cutters, razor blades, aerosol cans and flares. Sports equipment like baseball bats, and items that could injure passengers, such as swords and batons, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Go for comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes by donning layers, and opt for flat, easy-to-remove footwear like slip-ons.
• Most travellers have heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged periods of sitting. To reduce your risk on board, drink lots of water, consider wearing compression socks or tights and move your lower limbs often.

Being organized before your flight will help make your trip to St. Patrick a pleasure. Check out our top tips for a speedy journey past security:

• Be sure to keep your boarding pass and ID someplace easily accessible. They're the first things you'll be asked to show at security.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your belt, jacket, keys and other small items, like your earphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• Your electronic devices like phones and laptops will also need to go on a tray for inspection. No need to worry though, you'll be back online in no time.
• Want to bring along your favourite perfume or cologne? No problem. As long as the volume is no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and it's stored in a zip-close bag, you're permitted to bring it with you in your carry-on luggage.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you valuable minutes. Boots and bulky shoes are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Lightweight sneakers usually aren't.
• Knives and other sharp items are not allowed on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them in your checked bags.