Cheap Flights to Tauranga from CA $1,107

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be a real challenge. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these helpful hints and enjoy a pain-free start to your time in Tauranga. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Firstly, and most importantly, put in your passport, official ID, wallet and vital medications. Next, you'll want some extra in-flight entertainment to while away the hours. A juicy novel and a laptop crammed with your favourite movies are always good options. If you hope to take a quick nap, a quality neck pillow and some earplugs will also come in handy. Finally, make room for a toothbrush and some deodorant so you'll arrive feeling fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have a pocket knife hiding in one of the zippers of your carry-on luggage. Other restricted items include explosive or flammable goods, such as aerosol cans and fuel, and gels and liquids in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• Go for comfort over style. Prepare for changes in cabin temperature by dressing in layers, and pick closed-toe, flat shoes like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-distance flights. It's the result of blood clots forming due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

Being organized before your flight can make your trip to Tauranga easy and painless. Read through our top tips for a swift journey past security:

• Airport security personnel first need to check that you have a valid passport and travel documents before anything else. Have them ready to show.
• 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 easier by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• Your electronic devices like phones and laptops will also have to go on a tray for inspection. Don't worry, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Don't forget to remove liquids and gels from your carry-on bag. They often need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each item should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a practical footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when passing through security. Safety boots and other heavy-style shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, pack them in your checked luggage. They won't be allowed in the cabin.