Cheap Flights to Ciudad Vieja from CA $76

We've rounded up all the info you need to make your journey as enjoyable as possible. Follow our top tips and you'll be breezing through airport security and seeing the best of Ciudad Vieja before you know it. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a hassle-free flight experience is to plan ahead. Start with the essentials: passport, boarding pass, cash and daily medications. Next, take on board items that'll help keep you entertained, like your laptop or a juicy novel. It's also a wise idea to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of noise-cancelling headphones. Last but not least, don't forget to chuck in toiletries like a toothbrush, deodorant and a fresh set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Put all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner in your checked luggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) will be confiscated. Pointed or sharp objects, like a pocket knife, and dangerous goods which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosols and fireworks, are also banned.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of a plane aren't the place for a fashion parade. Wear layers and go for shoes that are flat and easy to take on and off.
• The result of sustained periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect some passengers during long-haul flights. Reduce the risks by drinking water, keeping your ankles and legs moving and wearing compression socks or tights.

It's all about being organized. We've put together some tips and tricks for a speedy trip through airport security. Watch out Ciudad Vieja, here you come:

• Security personnel first need to verify that you have a valid ID and boarding pass before anything else. Have them within easy reach, ready for inspection.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your belt, jacket, keys and other small items, like your earphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them as your turn draws near.
• Your electronic gadgets like phones and laptops will also need to go on a tray for inspection. Don't worry, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Remember to remove liquids and gels from your hand luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each item should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit in a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• There's a good chance you'll be asked to take your shoes off to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a smart idea.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp or pointed objects in your carry-on luggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked baggage.