Cheap Flights to Santa Clara

We all know those fortunate jet-setters who somehow nab impossibly cheap fares every time they fly. Would you like to know how to do it for your Santa Clara holiday? Don't leave it until the last minute to lock in your flight. Don't stop there, though. Do some research and see if there are a few airports at your destination. Ticket prices often differ depending on which airport you pick. Remember to compare prices across air carriers too. And finally, remember that it's first in, best dressed. Familiarise yourself with airfare costs and be ready to snap up a ticket as soon as you see an unbeatable bargain. The best deals never last long.

We've got the lowdown on how to make your journey a pleasant experience. Follow our tips and you'll be cruising through the airport and enjoying Santa Clara in no time at all. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having an amazing flight experience is to plan ahead. Start with the essentials: passport, boarding pass, cash and any vital medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you busy, like your laptop or a magazine. It's also wise to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earphones. Last but not least, don't forget to toss in toiletries like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a spare set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items can differ between air carriers, the general rule of thumb is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes box cutters, razor blades, fuel and fireworks. Sporting equipment like bows and arrows, and items that could injure passengers, such as swords and batons, aren't allowed in the cabin either.

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to go for comfort over style. Prepare for changes in cabin temperature by donning layers, and pick flat, easy-to-remove footwear like slip-ons.
• Caused by sustained periods of immobility, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot condition that can affect passengers on long-distance flights. Lower your risks by drinking water, keeping your lower limbs moving and wearing compression socks or tights.

Being organised before you arrive at the airport will help make your getaway to Santa Clara quick and painless. Check out our useful tips and tricks for a speedy journey past security:

• Have your ID and boarding pass close by. They'll be the first things you'll be asked to present to airport security.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that might trigger the alarms. Personal belongings like your jacket, belt and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• All your electronic devices, including your laptop and phone, must also be scanned separately.
• Any gels or liquids, such as perfume or toothpaste, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one litre), zip-lock bag.
• There's a chance you'll need to remove your shoes for scanning, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a wise idea.
• Sharp items are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them safely away in your checked baggage.