Cheap Flights to Mafia Island

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be an enjoyable experience if you're well prepared. Take a peek at these handy hints that will get your Mafia Island holiday started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having an amazing flight experience is to pack in advance. Start with the essentials: passport, travel docs, credit cards and important medications. Next, take on board items that'll help keep you entertained, like some electronic gadgets or a thrilling novel. It's also smart to bring your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. Last but not least, be sure to pop in toiletry items like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a fresh set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items differs between airlines, the general rule of thumb is nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, knives, spray paint and flares. Sports equipment like bows and arrows, and items that could harm other people, such as firearms and ammunition, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your main priority when choosing what to wear during your flight. Loose, breathable clothing is a smart option, as are flat, slightly roomy shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clots forming due to poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

As seasoned travellers know, the secret is to be organised before you get to the security gate. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Mafia Island in no time at all. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a great start:

• Security personnel first need to establish that you have a valid ID and travel documents before anything else. Have them ready to show.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Personal belongings like your belt, jacket and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• Your electronic gadgets like laptops and phones will also have to go through the machine for inspection. Don't worry, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Remove all gels and liquids from your hand luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit in a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• There's a good chance you'll be required to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a good idea.
• Pocket knives and other sharp items are not allowed on board. They'll be seized at security, so pack them safely away in your checked suitcase.