Cheap Flights to May from HK$2,706

Wherever you're jetting in from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you've planned ahead. We've made a list of handy hints that will get your May escape started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a great flight experience is to be prepared. So, let's start with the basics: passport, boarding pass, bank cards and important medications. Next, take on board items that'll help keep you entertained, like some electronic gadgets or a thrilling novel. It's also a wise idea to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earphones. Finally, don't forget to chuck in toiletries like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a spare change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Put all your full-sized bottles of hair gel and hairspray in your checked baggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) will be confiscated by authorities. Sharp objects, like a pocket knife, and products which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosols and matches, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your aim here is to feel as comfortable as possible. Pick shoes that are easy to slip on and off, dress in loose, natural fibers and remember to bring a sweater in case it gets chilly in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potential risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clots forming due to poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

Being organised before you get to the airport will help make your getaway to May easy and painless. We've compiled some top tips for a stress-free journey past security:

• Keep your travel documents and passport handy. They're the first things you'll be asked to present to airport security.
• After that, both you and your carry-on luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that might set the alarms off. Items such as your jacket, belt and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• All electronic gadgets, including your phone and tablet, will also need to be scanned separately.
• Remove all liquids and gels from your carry-on bag. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each product 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-lock bag.
• It's also likely that you'll be required to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a wise idea.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp objects in your hand luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked baggage.