Cheap Flights to Columbia from HK$7,011

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you're prepared. We've compiled a list of handy tips and tricks that will help get your Columbia holiday started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• It's easy — first, pack in your passport, important documents, credit cards and medications. Next, you'll need some entertainment to while away the time. A juicy novel and a laptop filled with your favourite movies are some great options. If you hope to take a quick snooze, a comfy neck pillow and some earplugs will also come in handy. Finally, make room for a toothbrush and some cleansing wipes so you'll touchdown feeling fresh as a daisy.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have a sharp object hiding in one of the zippers of your hand luggage. Other banned items include flammable or explosive substances, such as fuel and fireworks, and gels and liquids in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your main concern when choosing what to wear during your flight. Loose clothing is a smart choice, as are flat, slightly roomy shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Make a point of walking around the cabin or do some simple exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

Being organised before you get to the airport can make your trip to Columbia easy and painless. Below you'll find some useful tips and tricks for a swift journey through security:

• Keep your ID and boarding pass at hand. They're the first items you'll be asked to present to airport security.
• The X-ray machine comes next. Remove anything metal on you that is likely to beep. This includes items like earphones or headphones, as well as bulky coats or jackets. They'll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• All electronic devices, including your laptop and phone, are also required to be separately scanned.
• Remove all gels and liquids from your carry-on bag. They often 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 inside a single quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• It's also possible you'll be asked to remove your shoes for scanning, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a smart idea.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp objects in your carry-on luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked luggage.