Cheap Flights to South Padre Island , TX from CA $163

We've rounded up all the info you need to make your flight as stress-free as possible. Follow our tips and you'll be cruising through airport security and discovering South Padre Island in next to no time. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First and foremost, pack in your passport, important documents, cash and medications. Next, you'll want some in-flight entertainment to help pass the time. A thrilling novel and a tablet filled with your favourite shows are some great options. If you intend to take a short snooze, a neck pillow and a pair of noise-cancelling headphones will also come in handy. Finally, leave some space for a toothbrush and some deodorant so you'll touchdown feeling fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items can differ between air carriers, the general rule to follow is avoid carrying anything flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes things like tools, metal cutlery, spray paint and flares. Sports equipment like hockey sticks, and objects that could harm other people, such as pepper spray and firearms, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your priority when choosing what to wear on board. Loose, breathable clothing is a wise choice, as are flat, slip-on shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to walk around the cabin and stretch your legs or do some simple exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

As savvy travellers know, the secret is to be well prepared before you get to security. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to South Padre Island in the blink of an eye. Follow these helpful tips and get your vacation off to a terrific start:

• Have your boarding pass and ID close by. They're the first things you'll be asked to show at airport security.
• After that, both you and your hand luggage must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Items such as your coat, belt and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• Your electronic gadgets like phones and laptops will also have to go through the machine to be scanned. No need to worry though, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Travelling with your favourite perfume or cologne? As long as the volume is no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and it's stored in a clear zip-close bag, you're allowed to bring it with you in your carry-on.
• There's a possibility that you'll be asked to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a wise idea.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, put them in your checked suitcase. They won't be allowed in the cabin.