Cheap Flights to Santa Cruz

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be daunting. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these useful tips and enjoy a pleasant start to your time in Santa Cruz. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane ride can be a stress-free experience if you pack the right gear. First things first, you'll need basic toiletry items, such as deodorant and a toothbrush, a spare set of clothes and something to read. Secondly, make room in your carry-on bag for your mobile phone, a charger, medications and perhaps a blow-up neck pillow as well. Lastly, don't forget to take your passport, travel papers and some money.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Leave all your full-sized bottles of hair gel and hairspray in your checked luggage. Any liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) will be confiscated by authorities. Pointed or sharp objects, like your beloved pocket knife, and dangerous goods which are explosive or flammable, such as flares, chemicals agents and matches, are also prohibited.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your number one priority when deciding what to wear on your flight. Loose, breathable clothing is a wise choice, as are flat, slip-on shoes.
• Caused by lengthy periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect some passengers during long flights. Reduce the risks by drinking water, keeping your legs moving and wearing compression socks to help improve your circulation.

The trick is to be well organised before you reach 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 trip off to a fantastic start:

• Be sure to have your boarding pass and ID handy. They're the first things you'll be asked to show at airport security.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your belt, jacket, keys and other small items, like your headphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from technology. Your phone, tablet and any other electronics will also need to go through the scanner.
• Remember to remove liquids and gels from your hand luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit in a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a great footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when passing through security. Hiking boots and heavier-style shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, pack them in your checked luggage. They won't be allowed on board and will be confiscated.