Cheap Flights to Cuenca from HK$286

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

• The secret to having a hassle-free flight experience is to plan ahead. So, let's start with the basics: passport, travel docs, bank cards and vital medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you occupied, like some electronic gadgets or a thrilling novel. It's also a wise idea to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earphones. And of course, don't forget to squeeze in toiletries like a toothbrush, deodorant and a fresh set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Put all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hairspray in your checked baggage. Any liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) will be confiscated by security. Sharp objects, like a Swiss Army knife, and products which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosols and gasoline, are also not allowed.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your number one priority when choosing what to wear during your flight. Loose clothing is a sensible option, as are flat, enclosed shoes.
• The result of sustained periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot condition that can affect some passengers on long-haul flights. Lower your risks by staying hydrated, keeping your lower limbs moving and wearing compression socks to help your circulation.

It's simple — be prepared. We've compiled some helpful hints for a stress-free trip through airport security. Watch out Cuenca, here you come:

• Airport security personnel first need to verify that you have a valid ID and boarding pass before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them close by, ready for inspection.
• After that, both you and your carry-on luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Items such as your belt, jacket and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• All electronic devices, including your phone and laptop, are also required to be scanned.
• Remove gels and liquids from your hand luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each item should be 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 a few precious minutes. Hiking or heavy-style boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on sneakers are usually not.
• 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 luggage.