Cheap Flights to Oakland from HK$3,517

If you're poorly prepared, travelling can be overwhelming. But there's no need to panic. Follow these handy hints and enjoy a comfortable start to your holiday in Oakland. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First of all, put in your passport, important documents, credit cards and medications. Next, you'll need some entertainment to help pass the time. A juicy book and a laptop crammed with your favourite movies are some fantastic options. If you hope to catch forty winks, a neck pillow and some noise-cancelling headphones will also be useful. Finally, leave space for a few toiletry items to ensure you arrive looking fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items can differ between air carriers, the general rule to follow is nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, blades, aerosol cans and flares. Sporting equipment like ski poles, and objects that could injure passengers, such as guns and swords, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an airplane are no place for a fashion parade. Dress in comfortable layers and choose shoes that are roomy, flat and easy to remove.
• The result of prolonged periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect some passengers on long-distance flights. Lower your risks by drinking water, keeping your legs and feet moving and wearing compression socks to help your circulation.

Being organised before you get to the airport will make your trip to Oakland a breeze. Check out our top tips for a stress-free journey past security:

• Airport security personnel first need to determine that you have a valid ID and matching boarding pass before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them close by, ready for inspection.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your coat, belt, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your earphones, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• All electronic gadgets, including your tablet and phone, will also need to be scanned.
• Any liquids or gels, such as shampoo or hand cream, 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), clear zip-close bag.
• It's also likely that you'll be asked to take your shoes off to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a good idea.
• Pocket knives and other sharp items are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so pack them in your checked bags.