Cheap Flights to Douglas from HK$1,598

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be a pleasurable experience if you've prepared well enough. We've compiled a list of handy hints that will get your Douglas escape started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane trip can be a stress-free experience if you carry the right things. Firstly, you'll need basic toiletries, such as a toothbrush and some deodorant, a clean set of clothes and a few magazines. Next, leave space in your hand luggage for your phone, tablet and chargers, your medications and perhaps a blow-up neck pillow as well. Last, but definitely not least, remember to bring your passport, travel papers and some cash.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have a Swiss Army knife hiding in the bottom of your carry-on luggage. Other prohibited items include flammable or explosive substances, such as bleach and fuel, and liquids and gels in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• Go for comfort over style. Prepare for changes in cabin temperature by layering up, and wear closed-toe, flat shoes like slip-ons.
• Caused by prolonged periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect some passengers during long flights. Lower your risks by drinking water, keeping your feet and legs moving and wearing compression socks to help your circulation.

Being prepared before you get to the airport can make your getaway to Douglas quick and painless. We've rounded up some useful tips for a speedy journey through security:

• First things first. Your travel ID and boarding pass will need to be inspected by security personnel. Keep them handy so you don't have to dig around for them.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that might set the alarms off. Personal belongings like your jacket, belt and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• Your electronic devices like phones and laptops will also have to go through the machine to be scanned. Don't worry, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Any gels or liquids, such as toothpaste or perfume, 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.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you valuable minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on sneakers are usually not.
• Sharp items like knives are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so put them in your checked baggage.