Cheap Flights to Santa Cruz

If you're not prepared, air travel can be a real challenge. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these helpful hints for a worry-free start to your getaway in Santa Cruz. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a great flight experience is to pack in advance. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, official ID, credit cards and important medications. Next, take on board items that'll help pass the time, like some electronic gadgets or a magazine. It's also wise to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of noise-cancelling headphones. And of course, don't forget to squeeze in toiletry items like a toothbrush, lip balm and a clean set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have a pocket knife lurking in the bottom of your carry-on luggage. Other banned items include explosive or flammable products, such as bleach and fuel, and liquids and gels in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your number one priority when deciding what to wear on your flight. Loose clothing is a sensible choice, as are flat, slightly roomy shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potential risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clots forming due to poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

As seasoned travellers know, the secret is to be prepared before you arrive at airport security. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Santa Cruz in no time at all. Follow these helpful tips and get your holiday off to a fantastic start:

• Have your passport and boarding pass within close reach. They'll be the first things you'll be asked to present to security.
• Next up is the X-ray machine. Empty your pockets and remove anything that is likely to set off the scanner's alarm. This includes things like headphones or earphones, as well as your coat or jacket. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, tablet and any other electronics also need to go through the scanner.
• Any liquids or gels, such as perfume or hairspray, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several precious minutes. Boots and bulky shoes are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Lightweight sneakers are usually not.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp items or pocket knives in your carry-on baggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, check them in.