Cheap Flights to Richmond from CA $383

Depending on where you're coming from, your journey to Richmond could be no sweat at all or it could drag on forever. We've put together some useful tips that will help you start your next unforgettable escape on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a hassle-free flight experience is to plan ahead. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, travel documents, credit cards and daily medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you entertained, like your laptop or a good book. It's also smart to pack your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of noise-cancelling headphones. And of course, don't forget to chuck in toiletry items like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a spare change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items differs between air carriers, the general rule of thumb is nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes box cutters, razor blades, fuel and fireworks. Sporting equipment like golf clubs, and objects that could harm passengers, such as firearms and swords, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of a plane are no place for a fashion parade. Don comfortable layers and pick shoes that are enclosed, flat and easy to remove.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potential risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clotting due to poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

As savvy travellers know, the secret is to be well organized before you reach airport security. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Richmond in no time at all. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a flying start:

• Security personnel first need to establish that you have a valid passport and boarding pass before anything else. Have them in your hand, ready for inspection.
• After that, both you and your hand luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that might set the alarms off. Personal belongings like your belt, coat and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• All your electronic devices, including your tablet and phone, will also need to be separately scanned.
• Any gels or liquids, such as perfume or toothpaste, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one litre), zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you valuable minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on shoes usually aren't.
• Airlines won't allow any pocket knives or other sharp items in the cabin. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked luggage.