Cheap Flights to Punta Sam

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be an enjoyable experience if you prepare well enough. Check out these handy hints that will get your Punta Sam escape started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a stress-free travel experience is to pack ahead. Start with the essentials: passport, travel docs, bank cards and vital medications. Next, take on board items that'll help keep you occupied, like some electronic devices or a good book. You'll also want to bring your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. Finally, be sure to chuck in toiletry items like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a fresh set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items differs between air carriers, the general rule to follow is nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes things like screwdrivers, drills, fuel and fireworks. Sporting equipment like baseball bats, and items that could harm passengers, such as guns and swords, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of a plane are no place for a fashion parade. Dress in comfortable layers and go for shoes that are roomy, flat and easy to slip on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-distance flights. It results from blood clotting due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

The answer is simple — be organised. We've rounded up some tips and tricks for a hassle-free trip through airport security. Look out Punta Sam, here you come:

• First things first. Your travel documents and ID will need to be shown to security personnel. Keep them handy to avoid fumbling around for them.
• Next up is the X-ray machine. Remove anything metal on you that is likely to set off the scanner's alarm. This includes items like headphones or earphones, as well as heavy jackets or coats. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• Electronic devices like phones and laptops will also have to go through the machine to be scanned. Don't worry, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Any gels or liquids, such as perfume or toothpaste, that you want to take on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a sensible footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when going through security. Safety boots and other heavy-style shoes are usually subjected to extra screening.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp or pointed objects in your carry-on baggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked baggage.