Cheap Flights to Newark from HK$550

Depending on where you're coming from, your flight to Newark could be a breeze or it could drag on forever. We've compiled some useful tips that will help you start your next great escape on a positive note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a worry-free flight experience is to pack ahead. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, boarding pass, cash and important medications. Next, take on board items that'll help keep you occupied, like your laptop or a magazine. It's also wise to bring your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of headphones. Finally, don't forget to pop in toiletry items like a toothbrush, deodorant and a fresh change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items differs between air carriers, the general rule of thumb is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes things like knives, scissors, fireworks and fuel. Sports equipment like baseball bats, and objects that could injure passengers, such as swords and guns, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your main priority when choosing what to wear during your flight. Loose clothing is a wise choice, as are flat, slip-on shoes.
• The result of sustained periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect some passengers during long flights. Lower your risks by drinking water, keeping your legs moving and wearing compression socks to help improve your circulation.

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

• Security personnel first need to know that you have a valid passport and travel documents before you can proceed any further. Keep them close by.
• After that, both you and your carry-on luggage will be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that might set the alarms off. Items such as your jacket, belt and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• For just a few minutes, you'll have to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, tablet and any other electronics also need to go through the scanner.
• Remove all gels and liquids from your carry-on bag. They often need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• It's also possible you'll be required to take your shoes off to be X-rayed, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a wise idea.
• Sharp items such as knives and scissors are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so pack them in your checked suitcase.