Cheap Flights to Punta de Mita from CA $37

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be a seamless experience if you're prepared. Check out these handy tips that will help get your Punta de Mita vacation started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane ride can be a comfortable experience if you carry the right things. First things first, you'll need basic toiletry items, such as a toothbrush and hairbrush, a spare set of clothes and a good novel. Next, find a spot in your carry-on bag for your phone and charger, your medications and perhaps a cozy neck pillow too. Lastly, don't forget to bring your passport, travel docs and some cash.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Leave all your full-sized bottles of hair gel and hairspray in your checked luggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) will be confiscated by authorities. Sharp objects, like a pocket knife, and dangerous products which are explosive or flammable, such as aerosol cans, spray paint and matches, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your main concern when deciding what to wear during your flight. Loose clothing is a smart option, as are flat, closed-toe shoes.
• Most travellers are aware of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by long periods of inactivity. To reduce your risk on board, drink plenty of water, consider wearing compression socks or tights and move your lower limbs often.

As savvy travellers know, the secret is to be well organized before you reach the security gate. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Punta de Mita in no time flat. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a spectacular start:

• Keep your travel documents and ID handy. They're the first items you'll be asked to present to security.
• After that, both you and your carry-on luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that might set the alarms off. Items such as your belt, jacket and earphones need to go through the machine.
• All your electronic devices, including your phone and tablet, must also be separately scanned.
• Remove liquids and gels from your carry-on luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit in a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• It's also likely that you'll be asked to remove your shoes for scanning, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a clever idea.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, put them in your checked baggage. They won't be allowed on board.