Cheap Flights to Cuenca from CA $487

We've got the lowdown on how to make your flight an enjoyable experience. Follow our tips and tricks and you'll be hightailing it through the airport and seeing the best of Cuenca before you know it. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having an awesome flight experience is to plan ahead. First up, the essentials: passport, travel documents, cash and important medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help while away those hours, like some electronic gadgets or a few magazines. It's also wise to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of noise-cancelling headphones. Finally, don't forget to chuck in toiletries like a toothbrush, lip balm and a clean T-shirt.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have sharp objects (like a pocket knife) lurking in the bottom of your hand luggage. Other banned items include explosive or flammable goods, such as fuel and matches, and liquids and gels in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to choose comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes by dressing in layers, and pick flat, slightly roomy shoes like sneakers.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-distance flights. It's the result of blood clotting due to poor circulation, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

The trick is to be prepared before you arrive at security. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Cuenca in the blink of an eye. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a flying start:

• Your passport and travel documents will need to be presented to security personnel. Keep them within easy reach to avoid fumbling around for them.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on luggage must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Personal belongings like your jacket, belt and headphones need to go through the machine.
• Your electronic devices like laptops and phones will also need to go on a tray for inspection. Don't worry though, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Can't travel without your favourite hand and nail cream? No problem. As long as the volume is no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and it's stored in a clear zip-lock bag, you can keep it with you in your carry-on.
• There's a good chance you'll be required to remove your shoes for scanning, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a good idea.
• Sharp items such as knives and scissors are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so pack them in your checked bags.