Cheap Flights to Birkenhead from HK$2,059

Depending on where you're coming from, your trip to Birkenhead could be a breeze or it could go on forever. We've pulled together some handy hints that will help you start your next big adventure on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a great travel experience is to pack ahead. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, travel documents, bank cards and any vital medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you busy, like some electronic gadgets or a magazine. You'll also want to bring your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earphones. Finally, be sure to squeeze in toiletries like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a fresh set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have sharp objects (like a pocket knife) hiding in your carry-on luggage. Other banned items include explosive or flammable goods, like aerosols and matches, 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 aircraft are no place for a fashion parade. Layer up with comfortable clothing and opt for shoes that are closed-toe, flat and easy to pull on and off.
• Most of us have heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by long periods of inactivity. To reduce your risk on board, stay hydrated, consider wearing compression socks and move your lower limbs often.

A little pre-planning before you get to the airport will help make your trip to Birkenhead a pleasure. Check out our top tips for a stress-free journey through security:

• Airport security personnel first need to establish that you have a valid passport and travel documents before anything else. Have them ready for inspection.
• After that, both you and your carry-on luggage will be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that might trigger the alarms. Personal belongings like your belt, jacket and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• All your electronics, including your phone and tablet, must also be separately scanned.
• Remove all gels and liquids from your hand luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each item should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several precious minutes. Boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Lightweight sneakers are usually not.
• Sharp or pointed objects (like knives and scissors) are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so put them in your checked bags.