Cheap Flights to Santa Barbara

Wherever you're jetting in from, flying can be a pleasurable experience if you've prepared well enough. Check out these essential travel tips that will help get your Santa Barbara holiday started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a hassle-free flight experience is to plan ahead. Start with the essentials: passport, boarding pass, cash and any vital medications. Next, take on board items that'll help keep you occupied, like some electronic gadgets or a thrilling novel. It's also wise to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. Finally, be sure to chuck in toiletry items like a toothbrush, lip balm and a spare change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items differs between air carriers, the general guide to follow is nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, pocket knives, fireworks and fuel. Sports equipment like golf clubs, and objects that could injure passengers, such as pepper spray and firearms, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an airplane are no place for a fashion parade. Don comfortable layers and pick shoes that are flat, enclosed and easy to remove.
• You're probably aware of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged periods of sitting. To minimize your risk on board, drink plenty of water, consider wearing compression socks or tights and move your legs and feet often.

As seasoned travellers know, the secret is to be organised before you reach airport security. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Santa Barbara in next to no time. Follow these tips and get your holiday off to a terrific start:

• Be sure to keep your travel documents and ID within easy reach. They're the first items you'll be asked to show at airport security.
• Your coat, belt, keys and other items in your pocket, like your headphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them before your turn arrives.
• Your electronic devices like laptops and phones will also have to go through the machine for inspection. Don't worry, you'll be back online in no time.
• Remove all gels and liquids from your carry-on bag. They often need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• There's a good chance you'll be asked to remove your shoes for scanning, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a wise idea.
• Airlines will not allow any pocket knives or other sharp items in the cabin. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked luggage.