Cheap Flights to El Puerto de Santa Maria from CA $156

If you're not prepared, airports and flying can be daunting. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy tips for a comfortable start to your time in El Puerto de Santa Maria. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane trip can be easy if you've got all the right stuff. Firstly, you'll want some toiletry items, such as deodorant, toothpaste and a toothbrush, a clean pair of socks and a good read. Next, make room in your hand luggage for your electronic devices, chargers, your medications and perhaps a cozy neck pillow too. Last, but definitely not least, be sure to take your passport, travel papers and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Pack all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hair gel in your checked luggage. Any liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) will be confiscated by authorities. Sharp or pointed objects, like your beloved pocket knife, and products which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosols and fuels, are also prohibited.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your main priority is to feel as comfortable as you can. Pick easy-to-remove footwear, dress in loose, breathable clothing and don't forget to bring a sweater in case you get cold in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potential risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clotting due to poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

The simple answer is — be prepared. We've rounded up some helpful hints for an easy trip through airport security. Look out El Puerto de Santa Maria, here you come:

• Security personnel first need to establish that you have a valid passport and matching boarding pass before anything else. Have them close by, ready for inspection.
• Your belt, jacket, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your headphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• For just a few minutes, you'll have to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, tablet and any other electronics also need to go through the scanner.
• Can't travel without your favourite perfume or cologne? Not a problem. As long as it's in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and it's stored in a zip-close bag, it's fine to bring with you in your carry-on baggage.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several minutes. Boots and bulky shoes are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Lightweight sneakers usually aren't.
• Sharp or pointed objects (like knives and scissors) are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so put them in your checked bags.