Cheap Flights to Ha Long from HK$505

Wherever you're jetting in from, flying can be a seamless experience if you're well organised. Follow these handy travel tips that will help get your Ha Long escape started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Firstly, and most importantly, pack your passport, travel docs, wallet and vital medications. Next, you'll want some entertainment to help pass the time. A thrilling novel and a phone filled with your favourite shows are good options. If you intend to take a quick nap, a comfy neck pillow and some noise-cancelling headphones will also be useful. Finally, leave space for a toothbrush and some cleansing wipes so you'll step off the plane feeling fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items can differ between air carriers, the general rule of thumb is nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes things like screwdrivers, knives, spray paint and flares. Sporting equipment like baseball bats, and items that could harm other people, such as pepper spray and guns, 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 enclosed, flat and easy to remove.
• Most travellers have heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity. To minimize your risk on board, drink plenty of water, consider wearing compression tights or socks and move your lower limbs often.

Being organised before your flight can make your getaway to Ha Long easy and painless. We've rounded up some top tips for a swift journey through security:

• Security personnel first need to check that you have a valid passport and matching travel documents before anything else. Have them within easy reach, ready for inspection.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your belt, coat, keys and other items in your pocket, like your earphones, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them before your turn.
• Electronic devices like phones and laptops will also have to go on a tray to be scanned. Don't worry though, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Any liquids or gels, such as perfume or hand cream, that you want to bring on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several valuable minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on sneakers are usually not.
• Sharp items such as knives and scissors are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so pack them safely away in your checked bags.