Cheap Flights to Colón from CA $493

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be overwhelming. But there's no need to worry. Follow these tips and tricks and enjoy a hassle-free start to your time in Colón. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a great flight experience is to be prepared. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, travel docs, credit cards and vital medications. Next, take on board items that'll help keep you busy, like some electronic devices or a juicy novel. It's also a wise idea to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of noise-cancelling headphones. And of course, be sure to pop in toiletries like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a spare set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have a sharp object hiding in one of the compartments of your carry-on luggage. Other prohibited items include flammable or explosive substances, such as fuel and fireworks, and gels and liquids in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an aircraft are no place for a fashion parade. Don comfortable layers and choose shoes that are flat and easy to take on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by extended periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to walk around the cabin or do some gentle exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

It's easy — be prepared. We've put together some top tips for an easy trip through airport security. Watch out Colón, here you come:

• Be sure to have your passport and boarding pass someplace easily accessible. They're the first things you'll be asked to show at airport security.
• Next up is the X-ray machine. Empty your pockets and remove anything that is likely to beep. This includes things like earphones or headphones, as well as heavy coats or jackets. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• All your electronics, including your tablet and phone, will also need to be scanned.
• Any liquids or gels, such as perfume or hairspray, that you want to take on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one litre), zip-lock bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several valuable minutes. Boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Lightweight sneakers are usually not.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, pack them in your checked suitcase. They won't be allowed on board and will be confiscated.