Cheap Flights to Mai Khao from HK$346

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be a seamless experience if you've prepared well. Take a peek at these handy tips and tricks that will get your Mai Khao escape started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a pain-free travel experience is to pack in advance. Start with the essentials: passport, boarding pass, credit cards and daily medications. Next, take on board items that'll help keep you entertained, like your laptop or a juicy novel. It's also smart to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of noise-cancelling headphones. Last but not least, don't forget to squeeze in toiletries like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a spare set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items can differ between airlines, the general guide to follow is nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes things like tools, metal cutlery, fuel and fireworks. Sports equipment like bows and arrows, and objects that could harm passengers, such as swords and batons, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an airplane are no place for a fashion parade. Wear layers and opt for shoes that are roomy, flat and easy to pull on and off.
• Most travellers have heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity. To minimize your risk on board, drink plenty of water, consider wearing compression socks or tights and do gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat.

A little pre-planning before you arrive at the airport can make your getaway to Mai Khao easy and painless. Read through our top tips for a stress-free journey past security:

• Security personnel first need to check that you have a valid ID and matching travel documents before you can proceed any further. Keep them close by.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your belt, jacket, keys and other small items, like your headphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your phone and laptop, are also required to be scanned.
• Any liquids or gels, such as shampoo or hairspray, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a sensible footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when going through security. Hiking boots and heavier-style shoes are usually subjected to extra screening.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp objects in your carry-on luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked baggage.