Cheap Flights to Santa Clara from CA $422

If you're not prepared, travelling can be a real challenge. But there's no need to worry. Follow these helpful hints for a hassle-free start to your time in Santa Clara. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First of all, pack your passport, travel documents, wallet and vital medications. Next, you'll need some in-flight entertainment to help pass the time. A thrilling novel and a laptop filled with your favourite movies are always good options. If you intend to take a quick nap, a neck pillow and some noise-cancelling headphones will also come in handy. Finally, find room for a toothbrush and some deodorant to ensure you arrive feeling fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items differs between airlines, the general rule to follow is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes knives, scissors, spray paint and flares. Sports equipment like hockey sticks, and objects that could injure passengers, such as swords and batons, won't be allowed on board either.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of a plane are no place for a fashion parade. Wear layers and pick shoes that are flat and easy to pull on and off.
• The result of lengthy periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect some passengers during long-distance flights. Lower your risks by drinking water, keeping your legs and ankles moving and wearing compression socks to help improve your circulation.

The answer is — be prepared. We've compiled some top tips for a speedy trip through security. Look out Santa Clara, here you come:

• Keep your boarding pass and passport close by. They're the first items you'll be asked for by airport security.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your belt, coat, keys and other items in your pocket, like your headphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them before your turn.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your tablet and phone, must also be separately scanned.
• Remember to remove liquids and gels from your carry-on luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each item should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit in a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• There's a good chance you'll need to remove your shoes for scanning, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a good idea.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, pack them in your checked luggage. They won't be allowed in the cabin.