Cheap Flights to Manila from HK$541

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be tough. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these helpful hints and enjoy a hassle-free start to your time in Manila.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane ride can be a great experience if you bring the right things. Firstly, you'll want some basic toiletries, such as toothpaste, a toothbrush and some deodorant, a fresh change of clothes and a good novel. Next, find room in your bag for your mobile phone, a charger, medications and perhaps a blow-up neck pillow as well. Lastly, and most importantly, remember to take your passport, travel docs and some cash.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have a sharp object lurking in one of the zippers of your carry-on luggage. Other prohibited items include explosive or flammable goods, like aerosols and matches, and gels and liquids in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• The key to a comfortable flight is often as simple as the clothes you wear. Prepare yourself for varying temperatures by layering up. That way you'll stay nice and warm if the cabin gets chilly. Shoes like sandals and heels are best left for other occasions. Even though they may be your favorites, opt for flat, closed-toed footwear like sneakers. Your feet will thank you for it.
• It's likely you've heard about DVT (deep vein thrombosis), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged periods of sitting. There are numerous ways to lower your risk. Wear a good-quality pair of compression socks or tights, stay hydrated and keep your legs and feet moving. Walk the aisles of the cabin or perform some simple exercises in your seat.

It's all about being prepared. We've compiled some helpful hints for a hassle-free trip through airport security. Watch out Manila, here you come:

• Airport security personnel first need to check that you have a valid passport and boarding pass before anything else. Have them ready for inspection.
• After that, both you and your carry-on bag will be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that might set the alarms off. Personal belongings like your belt, jacket and earphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from technology. Your phone, laptop and any other electronic gadgets will also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Remove all gels and liquids from your carry-on luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each item should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a good footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when going through security. Big boots and other bulky shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Sharp items like knives are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so pack them safely away in your checked baggage.