Cheap Flights to Santa Bárbara from CA $41

If you're not prepared, air travel can be testing. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy tips for a trouble-free start to your getaway in Santa Bárbara. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Travelling on a plane can be a pleasure if you carry the right stuff. First of all you'll need basic toiletries, such as toothpaste, a toothbrush and some deodorant, a spare pair of socks and a good read. Next, leave space in your carry-on bag for your laptop, a charger, any vital medications and maybe a blow-up neck pillow as well. Lastly, and most importantly, don't forget to take your passport, travel docs and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have sharp or pointed objects hiding in one of the compartments of your hand luggage. Other banned items include explosive or flammable goods, like aerosols and matches, and gels and liquids 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 dressing in layers, and pick closed-toe, flat footwear like sneakers.
• Most travellers are aware of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by long periods of inactivity. To reduce your risk on board, drink lots of water, consider wearing compression socks and keep your legs and feet moving.

A little pre-planning before you get to the airport will make your getaway to Santa Bárbara easy and painless. Below are some useful tips and tricks for a swift journey past security:

• First things first. Your ID and travel documents will need to be inspected by security personnel. Have them close by so you don't hold up the queue.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your coat, belt, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your headphones, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them before your turn.
• All electronic devices, including your tablet and phone, will also need to be scanned.
• Any gels or liquids, such as perfume 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), zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several valuable minutes. Boots and heavy shoes are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on shoes are usually not.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, pack them safely away in your checked luggage. They won't be allowed on board.