Cheap Flights to Ballston Spa from HK$5,998

Wherever you're jetting in from, flying can be a pleasurable experience if you prepare well enough. We've compiled a list of handy tips that will get your Ballston Spa escape started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane ride can be a pleasure if you take the right things. Firstly, you'll need toiletry items, such as a toothbrush and lip balm, a spare change of clothes and a good read. Secondly, find a spot in your carry-on bag for your laptop, a charger, any vital medications and perhaps a comfy neck pillow too. Lastly, and most importantly, don't forget to bring your passport, travel papers and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have a pocket knife lurking in your carry-on luggage. Other restricted items include explosive or flammable goods, such as aerosol cans and fuel, and liquids and gels in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an airplane are no place for a fashion parade. Dress in comfortable layers and opt for shoes that are flat, roomy and easy to take on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clotting due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

The secret is to be organised before you arrive at the security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Ballston Spa in a flash. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a spectacular start:

• Security personnel first need to make sure that you have a valid ID and boarding pass before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them ready for inspection.
• Your belt, jacket, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your headphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• Your electronic gadgets like laptops and phones will also have to go through the machine for inspection. Don't worry though, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Remove liquids and gels from your carry-on bag. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit in a single quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• It's also likely that you'll need to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a smart idea.
• Knives and other sharp items can't be taken on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so put them in your checked luggage.