Cheap Flights to Florence from HK$1,383

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be daunting. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these tips and tricks for a hassle-free start to your time in Florence. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Firstly, and most importantly, pack in your passport, travel docs, cash and vital medications. Next, you'll need some extra in-flight entertainment to while away the hours. A juicy book and a laptop filled with your favourite movies are always good options. If you plan to catch a few z's, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of noise-cancelling headphones will also come in handy. Finally, find room for a few toiletry items so you'll touchdown looking fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items differs between airlines, the general rule to follow is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes things like screwdrivers, pocket knives, fuels and bleaching agents. Sports equipment like golf clubs, and items that could harm other people, such as pepper spray and firearms, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of a plane are no place for a fashion parade. Don comfortable layers and go for shoes that are roomy, flat and easy to slip on and off.
• The result of prolonged periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot condition that can affect passengers during long-haul flights. Lower your risks by staying hydrated, keeping your legs moving and wearing compression socks to help improve your circulation.

Being prepared before your flight will help make your getaway to Florence a piece of cake. We've rounded up some useful tips and tricks for a stress-free journey through security:

• Your travel documents and passport will need to be inspected by airport security. Have them easily accessible so you don't have to dig around for them.
• After that, both you and your hand 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, coat and earphones need to go through the machine.
• Your electronic devices like laptops and phones will also need to go on a tray to be scanned. Don't worry, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Any liquids or gels, such as shampoo or hairspray, 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.
• Slip-on shoes are a sensible footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when going through security. Hiking boots and other bulky shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Sharp items like knives are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so put them in your checked bags.