Flights to Costa Rica, Jambelí from

Wherever you're jetting in from, flying can be a pleasurable experience if you've prepared well enough. We've made a list of handy hints that will help get your Costa Rica vacation started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a pain-free flight experience is to pack in advance. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, boarding pass, bank cards and vital medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you entertained, like some electronic devices or a few magazines. It's also smart to bring your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of headphones. Finally, don't forget to toss in toiletries like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a spare set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Leave all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner in your checked baggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by authorities. Pointed or sharp objects, like your precious Swiss Army knife, and dangerous goods which are explosive or flammable, such as flares, chemicals agents and fireworks, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your main priority when choosing what to wear on your flight. Loose clothing is a wise option, as are enclosed shoes like sneakers.
• It's likely you've heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by long periods of inactivity. To reduce your risk on board, drink lots of water, consider wearing compression tights or socks and keep your feet and legs moving.

A little pre-planning before you get to the airport can make your trip to Costa Rica a pleasure. Read through our useful tips for a stress-free journey through security:

• Be sure to have your ID and boarding pass close by. They're the first items you'll be asked to show at security.
• The X-ray machine comes next. Empty your pockets and remove anything metal that is likely to set off the alarm. This includes items like earphones or headphones, as well as bulky coats or jackets. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• All your electronics, including your phone and tablet, must also be scanned separately.
• Remove liquids and gels from your hand luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each item should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• It's also possible you'll be required to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a smart idea.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp or pointed objects to come on board with you. If you must bring these kinds of items, check them in.