Cheap Flights to Port Elizabeth from CA $204

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be a seamless experience if you've prepared well enough. Check out these handy tips and tricks that will help get your Port Elizabeth vacation started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a pain-free travel experience is to be prepared. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, travel docs, bank cards and important medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you occupied, like your laptop or a good read. It's also smart to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of noise-cancelling headphones. Finally, don't forget to pop in toiletry items like a toothbrush, lip balm and a clean set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have a sharp object lurking in one of the zippers of your hand luggage. Other prohibited items include explosive or flammable products, such as fuel and fireworks, and liquids and gels in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• Choose comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes by wearing layers, and wear closed-toe, flat shoes like slip-ons.
• Most travellers are aware of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity. To minimize your risk on board, stay hydrated, consider wearing compression tights or socks and move your lower limbs often.

The answer is simple — be prepared. We've rounded up some top tips for a hassle-free trip through security. Look out Port Elizabeth, here you come:

• Have your passport and boarding pass within easy reach. They're the first things you'll be asked for by security.
• Your jacket, belt, keys and other small items, like your headphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them as your turn draws near.
• Electronic devices like laptops and phones will also have to go on a tray for inspection. No need to worry though, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Any gels or liquids, such as shampoo or hand cream, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• It's also possible you'll need to take your shoes off to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a smart idea.
• Sharp or pointed objects (like knives and scissors) can't be taken on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them safely away in your checked baggage.