Cheap Flights to Mountain View from HK$5,436

Depending on where you're coming from, your journey to Mountain View could be no sweat at all or it could go on forever. We've put together some useful travel tips that will help you start your next great adventure on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Firstly, and most importantly, pack in your passport, travel documents, cash and daily medications. Next, you'll want some in-flight entertainment to while away the time. A thrilling book and a laptop crammed with your favourite movies are some wonderful options. If you intend to catch more than just forty winks, a neck pillow and a pair of earplugs will also be useful. Finally, make room for a toothbrush and some facial wipes to ensure you arrive looking fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Put all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hairspray in your checked luggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) won't be allowed on. Sharp objects, like your trusty Swiss Army knife, and products which are explosive or flammable, such as spray paint, flares and fuels, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• Go for comfort over style. Prepare for changes in cabin temperature by layering up, and opt for flat, easy-to-remove footwear like sneakers.
• Most of us have heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by long periods of sitting. To lower your risk on board, drink lots of water, consider wearing compression socks or tights and move your lower limbs often.

The trick is to be well prepared before you get to the security gate. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Mountain View in next to no time. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a terrific start:

• Security personnel first need to see that you have a valid passport and boarding pass before you can proceed any further. Have them ready for inspection.
• After that, both you and your hand luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Personal belongings such as your belt, jacket and headphones need to go through the machine.
• Electronic devices like laptops and phones will also have to go through the machine for inspection. Don't worry though, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Can't travel without your favourite perfume? No problem. As long as it's in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and it's stored in a zip-lock bag, you can keep it with you in your carry-on bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several valuable minutes. Boots and heavy shoes are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on sneakers usually aren't.
• Knives and other sharp items are not allowed on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so put them in your checked bags.