Cheap Flights to Matsumoto from HK$573

We've rounded up all the info you need to make your flight as pain-free as possible. Follow our tips and you'll be zooming through the airport and seeing the best of Matsumoto before you know it. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane ride can be a comfortable experience if you take the right gear. Firstly, you'll need basic toiletry items, such as lip balm and hand cream, a clean set of clothes and a good book. Secondly, find a spot in your bag for your laptop, a charger, any daily medications and maybe a comfy neck pillow too. Last, but definitely not least, remember to bring your passport, travel papers and some cash.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have sharp objects (like a pocket knife) lurking in your hand luggage. Other restricted items include explosive or flammable substances, such as fuel and fireworks, and liquids and gels in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• Choose comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes by layering up, and pick flat, enclosed footwear like sneakers.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-distance flights. It results from 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.

As savvy travellers know, the secret is to be organised before you get to the security gate. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Matsumoto in next to no time. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a flying start:

• Your ID and travel documents will need to be presented to airport security personnel. Keep them someplace accessible so you don't hold up the line.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that might set the alarms off. Personal belongings such as your belt, jacket and headphones need to go through the machine.
• All electronic gadgets, including your phone and laptop, will also need to be scanned separately.
• Any gels or liquids, such as hair oil or hand cream, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• There's a chance you'll be asked to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a smart idea.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, put them in your checked luggage. They won't be allowed on board and will be confiscated.