Cheap Flights to Ixtlan del Rio from HK$236

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you prepare well enough. Follow these handy hints that will get your Ixtlan del Rio holiday started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a pain-free flight experience is to plan ahead. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, official ID, credit cards and daily medications. Next, take on board items that'll help keep you busy, like some electronic devices or a juicy novel. It's also wise to bring your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earphones. And of course, be sure to pop in toiletry items like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a clean T-shirt.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Squeeze all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hair gel in your checked baggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) will be confiscated. Pointed or sharp objects, like your treasured Swiss Army knife, and dangerous products which are flammable or explosive, such as flares, chemicals agents and fuels, are also prohibited.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your aim here is to feel as comfortable as you can. Choose easy-to-remove footwear, dress in loose, natural-fibre clothing and don't forget to bring a jacket in case it gets chilly in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potential risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clotting due to poor circulation, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

As savvy travellers know, the secret is to be well prepared before you get to security. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Ixtlan del Rio in the blink of an eye. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a great start:

• Airport security personnel first need to know that you have a valid ID and matching boarding pass before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them in your hand, ready for inspection.
• After that, both you and your carry-on bag must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Items such as your jacket, belt and earphones need to go through the machine.
• All your electronics, including your tablet and phone, will also need to be scanned.
• Remove all liquids and gels from your carry-on bag. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each product should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit in a single quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• It's also likely that you'll be required to remove your shoes for scanning, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a good idea.
• Airlines won't allow any pocket knives or other sharp items in the cabin. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked baggage.