Cheap Flights to Kofu from HK$481

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be a pleasurable experience if you've planned ahead. Check out these top travel tips that will help get your Kofu escape started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane ride can be a pleasure if you carry the right stuff. First of all you'll need basic toiletries, such as lip balm and hand cream, a clean set of clothes and a magazine or two. Next, find room in your bag for your phone, tablet and chargers, any medications and perhaps a neck pillow as well. Lastly, remember to take your passport, travel papers and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items differs between air carriers, the general rule of thumb is avoid carrying anything flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes knives, scissors, spray paint and fireworks. Sporting equipment like baseball bats, and objects that could harm passengers, such as pepper spray and firearms, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your highest priority when deciding what to wear on your flight. Loose, breathable clothing is a sensible choice, as are roomy, closed-toe shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Wander around the cabin and stretch your legs or do some simple exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

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

• Security personnel first need to check that you have a valid passport and boarding pass before anything else. Have them in your hand, ready for inspection.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on luggage must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that might trigger the alarms. Items such as your belt, coat and earphones need to go through the machine.
• All electronic gadgets, including your laptop and phone, will also need to be scanned.
• Don't forget to remove gels and liquids from your carry-on luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each item should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit in a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a good footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when going through security. Hiking boots and other heavy shoes are usually subjected to extra screening.
• Sharp or pointed objects (like knives and scissors) are not allowed on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so put them in your checked suitcase.