Cheap Flights to Oaxaca from CA $39

We've pulled together all the info you need to make your journey as stress-free as possible. Follow our tips and you'll be cruising through airport security and seeing the best of Oaxaca before you know it. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First things first, put in your passport, travel docs, cash and vital medications. Next, you'll need some entertainment to help pass the time. A juicy novel and a phone crammed with your favourite shows are some fantastic options. If you plan to take a short nap, a comfy neck pillow and some earplugs will also come in handy. Finally, make room for a toothbrush and some facial wipes so you'll step off the plane looking fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have a sharp object hiding in one of the compartments of your hand luggage. Other banned items include explosive or flammable products, such as fuel and matches, and liquids and gels in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your number one priority when deciding what to wear during your flight. Loose, breathable clothing is a sensible choice, as are roomy, closed-toe shoes.
• Most travellers have heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by long periods of sitting. To reduce your risk on board, drink plenty of water, consider wearing compression socks or tights and keep your feet and legs moving.

The trick is to be well organized before you arrive at security. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Oaxaca in next to no time. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a fantastic start:

• First things first. Your travel ID and boarding pass will need to be presented to airport security personnel. Keep them handy so you don't hold up the queue.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your belt, jacket, keys and other items in your pocket, like your earphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them as your turn draws near.
• All your electronic devices, including your tablet and phone, must also be scanned.
• Any gels or liquids, such as shampoo or hand cream, that you want to bring on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you valuable minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on shoes are usually not.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp or pointed objects to come on board with you. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked baggage.