S$862 Cheap Flights to First South

We all know those lucky jet-setters who somehow pick up extremely cheap plane tickets every time they fly. Want to know how to do it for your First South holiday? Don't wait until the very last minute to lock in your flight. Also, shop around and compare your options. If your destination has more than one airport, you may be able to pick up an excellent deal by flying into one that's further away. Last of all, be ready to secure your seat quickly if you find an irresistible price. It might not stick around for long! With a bit of know-how and some luck, the perfect fare can be yours.

Depending on where you’re coming from, your journey to First South could be as easy as pie or it could drag on forever. We've pulled together some handy travel tips that will help you start your next big adventure on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a worry-free travel experience is to be prepared. So, let's start with the basics: passport, travel docs, credit cards and important medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you entertained, like your laptop or a magazine. It's also wise to bring your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of headphones. And of course, don't forget to squeeze in toiletries like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a spare set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have a pocket knife hiding in the bottom of your hand luggage. Other restricted items include flammable or explosive products, such as bleach and fuel, and gels and liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an aircraft are no place for a fashion parade. Don comfortable layers and pick shoes that are closed-toe, flat and easy to slip on and off.
• You're probably aware of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged periods of sitting. To lessen your risk on board, drink plenty of water, consider wearing compression socks and move your lower limbs often.

The trick is to be organised before you get to security. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to First South in a flash. Follow these tips and get your holiday off to a terrific start:

• Be sure to have your travel documents and ID within close reach. They're the first items you'll be asked to present to airport security.
• Your jacket, belt, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your earphones, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them before your turn.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your phone and laptop, will also need to be scanned separately.
• Remove liquids and gels from your carry-on luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each product should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit in a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on sneakers usually aren't.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, put them in your checked baggage. They won't be allowed on board and will be confiscated.