Cheap Flights to Ashland from HK$4,255

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be daunting. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these helpful hints and enjoy a stress-free start to your getaway in Ashland. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• It's easy — first, put in your passport, travel documents, credit cards and medications. Next, you'll need some entertainment to while away the hours. A juicy book and a laptop crammed with your favourite shows are some fantastic options. If you intend to take a short snooze, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of earplugs will also be useful. Finally, make room for a few toiletry items to ensure you hop off the plane looking fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Pack all your full-sized bottles of hair gel and hairspray in your checked luggage. Any liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) won't be allowed on. Pointed or sharp objects, like your treasured pocket knife, and dangerous goods which are explosive or flammable, such as aerosol cans, flares and strong acids, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• Choose comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes in the cabin by dressing in layers, and opt for easy-to-remove shoes like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by extended periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to wander around the cabin or do some gentle exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

A little pre-planning before you get to the airport will make your getaway to Ashland a pleasure. Below are some handy hints for a swift journey through security:

• Keep your passport and boarding pass within close reach. They're the first things you'll be asked to show at airport security.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your jacket, belt, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your headphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them before your turn.
• Electronic devices like laptops and phones will also have to go on a tray for inspection. No need to worry though, you'll be back online in no time.
• 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). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a good footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when passing through security. Big boots and other heavy-style shoes are usually subjected to extra screening.
• Knives and other sharp items can't be taken on board. They'll be seized at security, so pack them in your checked suitcase.