Cheap Flights to Balboa from HK$478

Wherever you're jetting in from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you've planned ahead. Take a peek at these handy hints that will help get your Balboa holiday started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First and foremost, pack your passport, important documents, bank cards and vital medications. Next, you'll need some in-flight entertainment to while away the time. A juicy novel and a phone crammed with your favourite movies are always good options. If you plan to catch more than just forty winks, a quality neck pillow and some noise-cancelling headphones will also be useful. Finally, leave some space for a toothbrush and some deodorant to ensure you touchdown looking and feeling fresh.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Squeeze all your full-sized bottles of hair gel and hairspray in your checked luggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) won't be allowed on. Sharp or pointed objects, like your precious pocket knife, and dangerous goods which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosols and fireworks, are also banned.

What to wear on a flight:

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

It's simple — be prepared. We've rounded up some helpful hints for an easy trip through airport security. Look out Balboa, here you come:

• First things first. Your ID and travel documents will need to be shown to security personnel. Keep them handy to avoid fumbling around for them.
• The X-ray machine comes next. Empty your pockets and remove anything metal that is likely to set off the alarm. This includes things like earphones or headphones, as well as heavy coats or jackets. They'll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• Your electronic devices like phones and laptops will also need to go on a tray for inspection. No need to worry though, you'll be back online in no time.
• Remove gels and liquids from your carry-on luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each item should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit inside a single quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a clever footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when going through security. Hiking boots and other bulky shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Knives and other sharp items are not allowed on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them in your checked luggage.