Cheap Flights to Birmingham

Wherever you're jetting in from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you're well organized. Take a peek at these handy tips that will help get your Birmingham vacation started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Flying can be a stress-free experience if you bring the right gear. Firstly, you'll want a few basic toiletries, such as a toothbrush and lip balm, a spare set of clothes and a good novel. Next, find a spot in your carry-on bag for your mobile phone, a charger, any medications and maybe a proper neck pillow as well. Last, but definitely not least, don't forget to bring your passport, travel papers and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Leave all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hairspray in your checked luggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) won't be allowed on. Pointed or sharp objects, like your trusty pocket knife, and products which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosols and gasoline, are also not allowed.

What to wear on a flight:

• Go for comfort over style. Prepare for changes in temperature by wearing layers, and pick flat, closed-toe shoes like sneakers.
• Caused by sustained periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot condition that can affect some passengers during long-distance flights. Reduce the risks by drinking water, keeping your feet and legs moving and wearing compression socks to help improve your circulation.

The secret is to be organized before you reach the airport security gate. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Birmingham in no time flat. Follow these helpful tips and get your vacation off to a flying start:

• Airport security personnel first need to see that you have a valid ID and travel documents before you're allowed to proceed any further. Keep them within easy reach.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on luggage will be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that might trigger the alarms. Items such as your belt, jacket and earphones need to go through the machine.
• Electronic devices like phones and laptops will also have to go through the machine for inspection. Don't worry, you'll be back online in no time.
• Any liquids or gels, such as shampoo or hairspray, that you want to take on board must be no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several precious minutes. Boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on sneakers are usually not.
• Sharp items such as knives and scissors are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them in your checked luggage.