Cheap Flights to Santiago

If you're not prepared, airports and flying can be challenging. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these tips and tricks for a comfortable start to your holiday in Santiago. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• It's simple — first, pack in your passport, important documents, wallet and medications. Next, you'll want some entertainment to while away the time. A thrilling book and a laptop filled with your favourite shows are some great options. If you intend to catch forty winks, a quality neck pillow and a pair of noise-cancelling headphones will also come in handy. Finally, leave some space for a toothbrush and some deodorant to ensure you arrive at your destination feeling fresh as a daisy.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Leave all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hair gel in your checked baggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) will be confiscated by security. Sharp objects, like your beloved pocket knife, and dangerous goods which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosol cans, spray paint and fuels, are also not allowed.

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to choose comfort over style. Prepare for changes in temperature by dressing in layers, and pick flat, slightly roomy shoes like slip-ons.
• Most travellers have heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by long periods of sitting. To lower your risk on board, drink lots of water, consider wearing compression socks and move your legs and feet often.

A little pre-planning before you get to the airport can make your getaway to Santiago easy and painless. We've compiled some top tips for a speedy journey past security:

• Keep your boarding pass and passport close by. They'll be the first things you'll be asked to present to security.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on bag must be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that might trigger the alarms. Items like your belt, coat and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• Your electronic devices like laptops and phones will also need to go on a tray to be scanned. Don't worry, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Remember to remove gels and liquids from your hand luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you valuable minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on shoes usually aren't.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp or pointed objects in your hand luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked baggage.