Cheap Flights to Puerto Plata from CA $222

If you're not prepared, air travel can be challenging. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy hints and enjoy a worry-free start to your time in Puerto Plata. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Travelling on a plane can be easy if you take the right gear. Firstly, you'll want some basic toiletries, such as a toothbrush and lip balm, a fresh set of clothes and a magazine or two. Next, find room in your bag for your mobile phone, a charger, any medications and perhaps a quality neck pillow too. Last, but definitely not least, be sure to take your passport, travel papers and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items can differ between airlines, the general rule of thumb is avoid carrying anything flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes knives, scissors, spray paint and fireworks. Sporting equipment like baseball bats, and objects that could harm passengers, such as firearms and ammunition, won't be allowed on board either.

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to choose comfort over style. Prepare for changes in cabin temperature by layering up, and wear flat, slightly roomy shoes like sneakers.
• The result of prolonged periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot condition that can affect some passengers during long-distance flights. Lower your risks by drinking water, keeping your legs and feet moving and wearing compression tights or socks.

As seasoned travellers know, the secret is to be well organized before you get to the airport security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Puerto Plata in next to no time. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a great start:

• Airport security personnel first need to see that you have a valid ID and boarding pass before anything else. Have them close by, ready for inspection.
• After that, both you and your carry-on bag will be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that might trigger the alarms. Personal belongings like your belt, coat and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• All electronic gadgets, including your phone and tablet, are also required to be scanned separately.
• Remember to remove liquids and gels from your hand luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each item should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit in a single quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a great footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when going through security. Safety boots and other heavy shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Pocket knives and other sharp items are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so pack them in your checked bags.