Before you go: Take me on the plane

Currently, many hand luggage items are restricted.

Banned hand luggage items

• Any cosmetics
• Any toiletries including toothpaste, hair gel, lotions, perfume, deodorant, shaving foam, aerosols, etc
• Any liquids
• Any drinks
• Any sharp objects

Medicines

• Prescribed medicines in liquid form, eg diabetic medicines, over 50ml, must be verified by a pharmacist at any of the airport pharmacies

For the children

• Quiet computer games
• Puzzles or books
• Check the films for the flight
• Get up to stretch your legs and theirs often

What babies can have

• Nibbles in a container
• Spare baby food or formula milk (which you must taste when asked to)
• Bright, soft toys
• A front baby-carrier
• Hat, socks and warm top (it's best they are wearing these already)
• Plastic transparent rubbish bags
• Enough nappies and wipes for the trip

Staving off boredom

• Take a book that's light to read - and carry
• Take a magazine or two
• Pack a personal stereo, and music
• There are inflight magazines and many flights provide newspapers
• Check the in-flight films and available games

Keeping comfortable

Not an easy task when you're cooped up on a plane inches away from passengers you may not know. Cabin pressure and atmosphere dry out the skin and contribute to swollen hands and feet.

• Reduce dehydration by drinking water and cutting down on alcohol during the flight
• Take your shoes off to let the feet "breathe"
• If you have trouble sleeping, try using earplugs and a mask, which are normally provided on long-haul flights
• Take a warm jumper - it doubles as a pillow or jacket
• Stretch your legs every hour and wriggle your toes and ankles to get blood circulating
• Remember travel sickness pills/wrist bands if necessary
• Yawn or suck on a sweet to stabilise popping ears