Cheap Flights to Modena from HK$495

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be overwhelming. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy hints for a worry-free start to your getaway in Modena. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having an awesome flight experience is to pack ahead. Start with the essentials: passport, travel documents, credit cards and medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help while away those hours, like some electronic devices or a magazine. You'll also want to pack your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of noise-cancelling headphones. And of course, don't forget to pop in toiletry items like a toothbrush, lip balm and a spare set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have sharp objects (like a pocket knife) hiding in your carry-on luggage. Other prohibited items include explosive or flammable substances, such as aerosol cans and bleach, and gels and liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to choose comfort over style. Prepare for changes in cabin temperature by layering up, and wear flat, enclosed shoes like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Walk around the cabin and give your legs a stretch or do some gentle exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

Being organised before you arrive at the airport will help make your getaway to Modena a breeze. We've rounded up some top tips for a speedy journey through security:

• Airport security personnel first need to verify that you have a valid passport and travel documents before you're allowed to proceed any further. Keep them within easy reach.
• After that, both you and your hand luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that might set the alarms off. Personal belongings such as your belt, coat and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from technology. Your tablet, phone and any other electronic devices will need to go through the scanner.
• Remove all liquids and gels from your hand luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a good footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when going through security. Boots and other bulky shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Sharp items such as knives and scissors are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them safely away in your checked baggage.