Cheap Flights to Birtley from HK$242

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be challenging. But there's no need to panic. Follow these useful tips and enjoy a hassle-free start to your holiday in Birtley. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having an amazing flight experience is to plan ahead. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, official ID, bank cards and daily medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you busy, like your laptop or a few magazines. It's also a wise idea to pack your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. Finally, don't forget to pop in toiletry items like a toothbrush, lip balm and a spare change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have a pocket knife lurking in one of the zippers of your carry-on luggage. Other banned items include explosive or flammable goods, like aerosols and matches, and gels and liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• Your main aim is to feel as comfortable as you can. Pick easy-to-remove footwear, dress in loose, natural-fibre clothing and remember to take a pullover in case you get chilly in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to walk around the cabin and stretch your legs or do some simple exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

The secret is to be organised before you arrive at the security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Birtley in no time at all. Follow these tips and get your holiday off to a fantastic start:

• Keep your passport and boarding pass handy. They'll be the first things you'll be asked for by airport security.
• Your jacket, belt, keys and other small items, like your headphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them as your turn draws near.
• All electronic devices, including your phone and laptop, will also need to be scanned.
• Any liquids or gels, such as perfume or hairspray, that you want to take on board must be no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), zip-lock bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a good footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when passing through security. Big boots and other heavy shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, put them in your checked suitcase. They won't be allowed in the cabin.