Cheap Flights to Santa Bárbara

If you're not prepared, air travel can be daunting. But there's no need to panic. Follow these helpful hints and enjoy a worry-free start to your time in Santa Bárbara. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a worry-free travel experience is to plan ahead. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, travel docs, cash and important medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help while away those hours, like some electronic gadgets or a thrilling book. You'll also want to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earphones. Finally, be sure to chuck in toiletries like a toothbrush, deodorant and a spare change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Squeeze all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hairspray in your checked baggage. Any liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) won't be allowed on. Sharp objects, like your treasured Swiss Army knife, and dangerous goods which are explosive or flammable, such as spray paint, flares 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 clothing is a smart option, as are roomy, closed-toe 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.

The simple answer is — be prepared. We've rounded up some tips and tricks for a speedy trip through security. Look out Santa Bárbara, here you come:

• Be sure to have your ID and boarding pass at hand. They're the first items you'll be asked to show at security.
• After that, both you and your carry-on luggage will be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that might trigger the alarms. Items such as your jacket, belt and headphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few minutes, you'll have to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, tablet and any other electronic devices will need to go through the scanner.
• Want to bring along your favourite cologne or perfume? Not a problem. As long as the volume is no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and it's stored in a zip-close bag, you're allowed to bring it with you in your carry-on bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several minutes. Boots and bulky shoes are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on shoes usually aren't.
• Sharp or pointed objects (like knives and scissors) can't be taken on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them in your checked bags.