Cheap Flights to Yanji from HK$1,177

Depending on where you're coming from, your journey to Yanji could be a breeze or it could drag on forever. Below are some useful hints that will help you start your next unforgettable escape on a positive note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane trip can be a great experience if you've got all the right stuff. Firstly, you'll want a few basic toiletries, such as a toothbrush and hairbrush, a spare set of clothes and a good read. Next, leave space in your hand luggage for your mobile phone, a charger, any daily medications and perhaps a proper neck pillow as well. Lastly, and most importantly, be sure to take your passport, travel docs and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have sharp objects (like a pocket knife) hiding in your hand luggage. Other banned items include flammable or explosive goods, such as bleach and fuel, and gels and liquids in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• Your aim here is to feel as comfortable as possible. Choose a pair of flat, closed-toe shoes, dress in loose, natural-fibre clothing and don't forget to take a pullover in case you get chilly in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-distance flights. It results from blood clotting due to inactivity and poor circulation, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

As savvy travellers know, the secret is to be organised before you arrive at the airport security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Yanji in no time flat. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a flying start:

• Your boarding pass and travel ID will need to be shown to security personnel. Keep them at hand so you don't hold up the line.
• The X-ray machine comes next. Remove anything on you that is likely to set off the scanner's alarm. This includes things like headphones or earphones, as well as your coat or jacket. They'll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your phone and laptop, will also need to be separately scanned.
• Any liquids or gels, such as lip balm or cologne, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you a few precious minutes. Hiking or heavy-style boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on shoes are usually not.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp or pointed objects in your carry-on baggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked luggage.