Cheap Flights to Catalina

We've got the lowdown on how to make your flight a pleasant experience. Follow our tips and you'll be hightailing it through airport security and having a blast in Catalina in no time. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a hassle-free flight experience is to pack in advance. So, let's start with the basics: passport, travel docs, bank cards and medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you busy, like your laptop or a good book. It's also smart to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of noise-cancelling headphones. Last but not least, don't forget to squeeze in toiletries like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a clean T-shirt.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Squeeze 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 security. Sharp objects, like your trusty pocket knife, and products which are flammable or explosive, such as flares, bleaching agents and fuels, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to go for comfort over style. Prepare for changes in cabin temperature by layering up, and opt for flat, closed-toe shoes like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Make a point of walking around the cabin or do some simple exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

Being organised before you get to the airport will help make your trip to Catalina easy and painless. We've compiled some handy hints for a speedy journey past security:

• First things first. Your passport and boarding pass will need to be presented to airport security. Keep them within easy reach to avoid fumbling around for them.
• The X-ray machine is up next. Remove anything on you that is likely to set off the scanner's alarm. This includes items like earphones or headphones, as well as your coat or jacket. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• Your electronic gadgets like laptops and phones will also have to go through the machine to be scanned. Don't worry, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Any liquids or gels, such as perfume or hairspray, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a great footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when going through security. Safety boots and other heavy shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Sharp items like knives are not allowed on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them safely away in your checked baggage.