Cheap Flights to Austin from HK$972

Wherever you're jetting in from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you're well prepared. Check out these handy hints that will help get your Austin holiday started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Air travel can be a cruisy experience if you carry the right stuff. Firstly, you'll want some basic toiletry items, such as a toothbrush and hairbrush, a clean pair of socks and something to read. Next, find a spot in your hand luggage for your electronic gadgets, chargers, your important medications and perhaps a quality neck pillow as well. Lastly, don't forget to bring your passport, travel docs and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have a Swiss Army knife hiding in the bottom of your hand luggage. Other prohibited items include flammable or explosive substances, like aerosols and matches, and liquids and gels in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• Your aim here is to be as comfortable as you can. Pick a pair of slip-on shoes, dress in loose, breathable 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-haul flights. It's the result of blood clots forming due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

A little pre-planning before your flight will make your trip to Austin a breeze. We've rounded up some useful tips for a speedy journey past security:

• Airport security personnel first need to see that you have a valid ID and matching boarding pass before you can proceed any further. Have them ready for inspection.
• Your jacket, belt, keys and other contents of your pockets, like coins, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them before your turn.
• All electronic devices, including your phone and laptop, are also required to be scanned.
• Any liquids or gels, such as perfume or hairspray, that you want to bring on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you valuable minutes. Boots and heavy shoes are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on shoes are usually not.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp objects to come on board with you. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked luggage.