Cheap Flights to Costa Maya from CA $74

We've rounded up all the info you need to make your flight as pain-free as possible. Follow our top tips and you'll be zooming through airport security and having a ball in Costa Maya in no time at all. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having an amazing travel experience is to pack in advance. Start with the essentials: passport, boarding pass, cash and important medications. Next, take on board items that'll help while away those hours, like your laptop or a good book. It's also smart to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. Last but not least, don't forget to squeeze in toiletry items like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a clean T-shirt.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Squeeze all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner in your checked luggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) will be confiscated by security. Sharp objects, like your Swiss Army knife, and dangerous goods which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosols and gasoline, are also prohibited.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your priority when deciding what to wear on your flight. Loose clothing is a wise choice, as are flat, slip-on shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by lengthy periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Wander around the cabin and stretch your legs or do some simple exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

The trick is to be organized before you arrive at security. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Costa Maya in the blink of an eye. Follow these helpful tips and get your vacation off to a spectacular start:

• Your passport and boarding pass will need to be presented to airport security personnel. Keep them within easy reach to avoid fumbling around for them.
• The X-ray machine is up next. Remove anything on you that is likely to beep. This includes items like headphones or earphones, as well as your coat or jacket. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• Electronic devices like phones and laptops will also need to go on a tray for inspection. Don't worry, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Travelling with your favourite hand cream? No problem. As long as it's in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and it's stored in a zip-lock bag, you can keep it with you in your carry-on baggage.
• Lightweight sneakers are a great footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when passing through security. Big boots and other heavy-style shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Airlines won't allow any pocket knives or other sharp items to come on board with you. If you must bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked luggage.