Cheap Flights to Johannesburg from HK$1,856

Wherever you're jetting in from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you're well organised. We've compiled a list of handy hints that will get your Johannesburg holiday started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane ride can be easy if you've got all the right gear. First of all you'll need basic toiletry items, such as a toothbrush and lip balm, a spare change of clothes and a good novel. Secondly, leave space in your hand luggage for your electronic devices, chargers, your important medications and perhaps a proper neck pillow too. Lastly, don't forget to bring your passport, travel papers and some money.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Pack all your full-sized bottles of hair gel and hairspray in your checked luggage. Any liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) will be confiscated by security. Pointed or sharp objects, like your beloved Swiss Army knife, and dangerous goods which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosol cans, flares and strong acids, are also prohibited.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your priority is to be as comfortable as possible. Pick easy-to-remove footwear, dress in loose, natural-fibre clothing and don't forget to bring a sweater in case it gets cold in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clots forming due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

As savvy travellers know, the secret is to be prepared before you get to airport security. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Johannesburg before you know it. Follow these tips and get your holiday off to a spectacular start:

• Be sure to have your ID and boarding pass at hand. They're the first items you'll be asked to show at airport security.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your belt, jacket, keys and other small items, like your headphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them before your turn arrives.
• All your electronics, including your phone and tablet, are also required to be scanned.
• Travelling with your favourite perfume or cologne? As long as the volume is no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and it's stored in a zip-close bag, you're allowed to bring it with you in your carry-on.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several precious minutes. Boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on sneakers usually aren't.
• Knives and other sharp items can't be taken on board. They'll be seized at security, so put them in your checked luggage.