Cheap Flights to Northwood from HK$2,579

Wherever you're jetting in from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you've prepared well enough. Take a peek at these handy tips and tricks that will get your Northwood escape started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having an amazing travel experience is to pack ahead. First up, the essentials: passport, official ID, bank cards and any vital medications. Next, bring items that'll help pass the time, like your laptop or a good book. You'll also want to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earphones. Last but not least, be sure to chuck in toiletries like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a fresh change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have sharp objects (like a pocket knife) hiding in one of the zippers of your carry-on luggage. Other banned items include flammable or explosive substances, such as bleach and fuel, and gels and liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your top priority when deciding what to wear during your flight. Loose clothing is a wise choice, as are flat, slightly roomy shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by extended periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Make a point of walking around the cabin or do some gentle exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

It's all about being organised. We've compiled some top tips for a fuss-free trip through security. Watch out Northwood, here you come:

• Your travel ID and boarding pass will need to be presented to airport security personnel. Keep them someplace accessible so you don't hold up the line.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your coat, belt, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your headphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them before your turn.
• All your electronic devices, including your tablet and phone, must also be separately scanned.
• Any gels or liquids, such as hair oil or hand cream, that you want to bring on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• There's a good chance you'll be asked to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a clever idea.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp or pointed objects in your carry-on luggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, check them in.