Cheap Flights to St. Pete Beach , FL from CA $186

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be an enjoyable experience if you're prepared. We've compiled a list of essential travel tips that will get your St. Pete Beach vacation started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having an awesome travel experience is to plan ahead. So, let's start with the basics: passport, official ID, cash and any vital medications. Next, bring items that'll help pass the time, like some electronic devices or a magazine. You'll also want to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earphones. Finally, don't forget to pop in toiletry items like a toothbrush, lip balm and a clean set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Leave all your full-sized bottles of hair gel and hairspray in your checked baggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) will be confiscated by authorities. Sharp objects, like your pocket knife, and products which are explosive or flammable, such as flares, chemicals agents and matches, are also prohibited.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your aim is to feel as comfortable as you can. Choose flat, closed-toe shoes, dress in loose, natural-fibre clothing and don't forget to take a sweater in case you get chilly in the cabin.
• You're probably aware of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity. To lessen your risk on board, drink plenty of water, consider wearing compression socks and do gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat.

As seasoned travellers know, the secret is to be well prepared before you get to the airport security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to St. Pete Beach in no time flat. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a fantastic start:

• First things first. Your boarding pass and travel ID will need to be shown to airport security personnel. Keep them handy so you don't hold up the queue.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on bag must be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that might set the alarms off. Personal belongings like your coat, belt and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• All your electronic devices, including your tablet and phone, will also need to be scanned separately.
• Any gels or liquids, such as perfume or hairspray, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a good footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when passing through security. Big boots and other bulky shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Sharp or pointed items are not allowed on board. They'll be seized at security, so pack them in your checked baggage.