Cheap Flights to Mexico from HK$7,249

Depending on where you're coming from, your flight to Mexico could be completely painless or it could drag on forever. Below are some tips that will help you start your next big adventure on a positive note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane trip can be a comfortable experience if you pack the right things. Firstly, you'll want some basic toiletry items, such as a toothbrush and hairbrush, a spare set of clothes and a good novel. Next, find room in your hand luggage for your electronic devices, chargers, any medications and perhaps a neck pillow as well. Lastly, remember to bring your passport, travel documents and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have a sharp object lurking in one of the zippers of your carry-on luggage. Other prohibited items include flammable or explosive substances, like aerosols and matches, and liquids and gels in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• Choose comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes in the cabin by wearing layers, and pick flat, slightly roomy shoes like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clots forming due to inactivity and poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

The answer is — be prepared. We've rounded up some handy tips and tricks for an easy trip through airport security. Look out Mexico, here you come:

• Security personnel first need to check that you have a valid passport and matching boarding pass before anything else. Have them 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 is likely to set the alarm off. Items such as your coat, belt and earphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few moments, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, laptop and any other electronics will also need to go through the scanner.
• Any gels or liquids, such as lip balm or cologne, that you want to take on board must be no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a great footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when passing through security. Big boots and heavier-style shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Sharp items are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them safely away in your checked bags.