Cheap Flights to Panama City from CA $247

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you're well prepared. We've put together a list of handy travel tips that will get your Panama City escape started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a stress-free travel experience is to be prepared. So, let's start with the basics: passport, travel documents, bank cards and any vital medications. Next, take on board items that'll help pass the time, like your laptop or a magazine. It's also wise to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of noise-cancelling headphones. Finally, be sure to pop in toiletries like a toothbrush, deodorant and a spare change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Put all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hair gel in your checked baggage. Any liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) won't be allowed on. Pointed or sharp objects, like your beloved Swiss Army knife, and dangerous products which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosol cans, spray paint and gasoline, are also not allowed.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your aim is to be as comfortable as you can. Opt for flat, closed-toe shoes, dress in loose, natural-fibre clothing and remember to take a pullover in case it gets chilly in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-distance flights. It's the result of blood clotting due to inactivity and poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

As savvy travellers know, the secret is to be prepared before you reach security. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Panama City before you know it. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a flying start:

• Your travel documents and ID will need to be shown to airport security. Keep them at hand so you don't hold up the queue.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your jacket, belt, keys and other small items, like your earphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them before your turn arrives.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your tablet and phone, must also be separately scanned.
• Travelling with your favourite hand cream? Not a problem. As long as the volume is no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and it's stored in a zip-lock bag, you can keep it with you in your carry-on.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you valuable minutes. Boots and bulky shoes are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on sneakers are usually not.
• Sharp or pointed items are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so pack them safely away in your checked baggage.