Cheap Flights to Clare Island from HK$5,351

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be a pleasurable experience if you're well prepared. We've put together a list of handy hints that will help get your Clare Island holiday started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First and foremost, pack in your passport, travel docs, wallet and vital medications. Next, you'll want some entertainment to while away the hours. A juicy novel and a laptop crammed with your favourite shows are some terrific options. If you plan to catch up on some sleep, a quality neck pillow and some earplugs will also come in handy. Finally, leave some space for a toothbrush and some cleansing wipes so you'll hop off the plane looking and feeling fresh.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items can differ between air carriers, the general rule of thumb is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes box cutters, razor blades, spray paint and fireworks. Sporting equipment like ski poles, and objects that could harm other people, such as firearms and ammunition, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your goal here is to be as comfortable as you can. Go for a pair of slip-on shoes, dress in loose, natural fibers and remember to take a pullover in case you get cold in the cabin.
• Most travellers have heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by long periods of sitting. To reduce your risk on board, stay hydrated, consider wearing compression socks and keep your feet and legs moving.

The secret is to be prepared before you get to the airport security gate. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Clare Island in no time at all. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a spectacular start:

• First things first. Your boarding pass and passport will need to be presented to airport security personnel. Keep them within easy reach so you don't have to dig around for them.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your jacket, belt, keys and other items in your pocket, like coins, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them as your turn draws near.
• All your electronics, including your phone and laptop, will also need to be separately scanned.
• Remember to remove liquids and gels from your carry-on bag. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each item 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.
• There's a good chance you'll be asked to remove your shoes for scanning, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a clever idea.
• Airlines will not allow any pocket knives or other sharp items to come on board with you. If you must bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked baggage.