Cheap Flights to Santiago from CA $247

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be a pleasurable experience if you've prepared well. Follow these top travel tips that will help get your Santiago vacation started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Air travel can be a stress-free experience if you take the right things. Firstly, you'll need basic toiletry items, such as a toothbrush and hairbrush, a clean pair of socks and a magazine or two. Next, make room in your bag for your laptop, a charger, any daily medications and perhaps a comfy neck pillow too. Lastly, don't forget to take your passport, travel docs and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Pack all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hairspray in your checked luggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) will be confiscated by security. Sharp or pointed objects, like a pocket knife, and products which are explosive or flammable, such as aerosol cans, flares and matches, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your aim is to feel as comfortable as you can. Choose shoes that are easy to slip on and off, dress in loose, breathable clothing and don't forget to take a pullover in case you get chilly in the cabin.
• You're probably aware of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged periods of sitting. To lessen your risk on board, drink lots of water, consider wearing compression socks and keep your legs and feet moving.

A little pre-planning before you arrive at the airport will help make your getaway to Santiago easy and painless. We've rounded up some handy hints for a speedy journey past security:

• Security personnel first need to know that you have a valid ID and travel documents before you can proceed any further. Keep them within easy reach.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your jacket, belt, keys and other contents of your pockets, like coins, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them before your turn.
• Your electronic gadgets like phones and laptops will also need to go on a tray to be scanned. No need to worry though, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Any gels or liquids, such as hair oil or hand cream, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several valuable minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Lightweight sneakers are usually not.
• Sharp items are not allowed on board. They'll be seized at security, so pack them in your checked suitcase.