Cheap Flights to St. Barthelemy from CA $186

We've got the lowdown on how to make your journey a pleasant experience. Follow our insider tips and you'll be hightailing it through airport security and exploring St. Barthelemy before you know it. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First and foremost, put in your passport, official ID, bank cards and daily medications. Next, you'll need some entertainment to help pass the time. A thrilling book and a tablet filled with your favourite movies are good options. If you hope to take a quick nap, a neck pillow and a pair of noise-cancelling headphones will also come in handy. Finally, leave some space for a few toiletry items so you'll arrive looking fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have a pocket knife hiding in the bottom of your carry-on luggage. Other prohibited items include explosive or flammable substances, like aerosols and matches, and gels and liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• Choose comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes in the cabin by dressing in layers, and wear easy-to-remove footwear like slip-ons.
• The result of lengthy periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect passengers during long flights. Lower your risks by drinking water, keeping your lower limbs moving and wearing compression socks to help your circulation.

The trick is to be prepared before you get to security. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to St. Barthelemy in no time flat. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a fantastic start:

• Have your ID and travel documents handy. They'll be the first things you'll be asked to present to airport security.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your belt, jacket, keys and other items in your pocket, like your headphones, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them as your turn draws near.
• All your electronics, including your tablet and phone, are also required to be scanned separately.
• Can't travel without your favourite perfume? No problem. As long as the volume is no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and it's stored in a clear zip-close bag, it's OK to bring with you on board.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several precious minutes. Boots and bulky shoes are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Lightweight sneakers are usually not.
• Sharp or pointed items are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so pack them in your checked baggage.