Cheap Flights to Hartfield from HK$317

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be an enjoyable experience if you're well organised. Follow these handy travel tips that will get your Hartfield holiday started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a hassle-free flight experience is to be prepared. First up, the essentials: passport, boarding pass, bank cards and important medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you entertained, like some electronic devices or a thrilling book. It's also wise to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. Last but not least, be sure to squeeze in toiletries like a toothbrush, deodorant and a fresh set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items can differ between air carriers, the general rule to follow is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes box cutters, razor blades, aerosol cans and flares. Sports equipment like ice skates, and objects that could injure passengers, such as swords and batons, aren't allowed in the cabin either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your priority is to be as comfortable as you can. Pick flat, closed-toe shoes, dress in loose, natural fibers and don't forget to take a jacket in case it gets cold in the cabin.
• The result of sustained periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect some passengers on long-haul flights. Lower your risks by drinking water, keeping your legs and feet moving and wearing compression tights or socks.

The simple answer is — be prepared. We've put together some useful tips for a speedy trip through security. Watch out Hartfield, here you come:

• Airport security personnel first need to see that you have a valid ID and boarding pass before anything else. Keep them close by.
• After that, both you and your carry-on luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that might set the alarms off. Personal belongings such as your belt, jacket and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• Your electronic devices like laptops and phones will also have to go through the machine for inspection. No need to worry though, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Any gels or liquids, such as shampoo or hand cream, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• It's also possible you'll be asked to take your shoes off to be X-rayed, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a good idea.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp objects in your carry-on baggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked baggage.