Cheap Flights to Homeland from HK$585

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you've planned ahead. Take a peek at these handy tips and tricks that will help get your Homeland holiday started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First, put in your passport, travel docs, credit cards and daily medications. Next, you'll need some in-flight entertainment to help pass the time. A juicy book and a tablet crammed with your favourite movies are some great options. If you intend to take a short nap, a comfy neck pillow and some noise-cancelling headphones will also be useful. Finally, squeeze in 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 banned items can differ between air carriers, the general rule to follow is nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes things like knives, scissors, aerosol cans and bleaching agents. Sports equipment like baseball bats, and items that could harm passengers, such as pepper spray and firearms, aren't allowed in the cabin either.

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to go for comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes in the cabin by dressing in layers, and wear easy-to-remove footwear like sneakers.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to wander around the cabin or do some gentle exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

It's easy — be prepared. We've pulled together some helpful hints for a stress-free trip through security. Watch out Homeland, here you come:

• Be sure to have your boarding pass and ID within close reach. They'll be the first things you'll be asked to show at security.
• After that, both you and your hand luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that might trigger the alarms. Items such as your belt, jacket and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• All electronic gadgets, including your phone and tablet, must also be scanned.
• Any liquids or gels, such as shampoo or hand cream, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a clever footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when going through security. Big boots and heavier-style shoes are usually subjected to extra screening.
• Sharp or pointed objects (like knives and scissors) are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so pack them safely away in your checked luggage.