Cheap Flights to Melbourne from CA $71

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be testing. But there's no need to worry. Follow these handy hints and enjoy a stress-free start to your time in Melbourne. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Travelling on a plane can be a pleasure if you pack the right gear. Firstly, you'll want a few toiletry items, such as a toothbrush and hairbrush, a clean set of clothes and a good read. Secondly, leave space in your hand luggage for your electronic devices, chargers, medications and maybe a comfy neck pillow as well. Lastly, be sure to bring 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 suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) won't be allowed on. Pointed or sharp objects, like your trusty Swiss Army knife, and dangerous products which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosol cans, spray paint and strong acids, 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 enclosed, flat and easy to take on and off.
• The result of sustained periods of immobility, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot condition that can affect passengers on long-haul flights. Lower your risks by drinking water, keeping your feet and legs moving and wearing compression tights or socks.

A little pre-planning before you arrive at the airport can make your getaway to Melbourne a piece of cake. We've rounded up some handy tips and tricks for a swift journey through security:

• First things first. Your boarding pass and passport will need to be shown to airport security. Keep them within easy reach to avoid fumbling around for them.
• Next up, both you and your hand luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Personal belongings such as your belt, coat and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• Your electronic devices like laptops and phones will also need to go on a tray to be scanned. Don't worry, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Remove all gels and liquids from your hand luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each product 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-close bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a clever footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when passing through security. Safety boots and other bulky shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp objects in your hand luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked baggage.