Cheap Flights to Oakland from HK$1,711

We've got the lowdown on how to make your flight an enjoyable experience. Follow our tips and you'll be speeding through the airport and enjoying Oakland in no time at all. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a worry-free flight experience is to plan ahead. First up, the essentials: passport, boarding pass, credit cards and vital medications. Next, take on board items that'll help keep you entertained, like some electronic gadgets or a thrilling novel. You'll also want to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. And of course, don't forget to squeeze in toiletries like a toothbrush, deodorant and a fresh set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Pack all your full-sized bottles of hair gel and hairspray in your checked luggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) will be confiscated by authorities. Sharp objects, like your precious Swiss Army knife, and dangerous products which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosol cans, spray paint and strong acids, are also not allowed.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your main priority when choosing what to wear during your flight. Loose, breathable clothing is a wise choice, as are roomy, closed-toe shoes.
• The result of lengthy periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect passengers during long flights. Reduce the risks by drinking water, keeping your legs moving and wearing compression tights or socks.

Being prepared before you arrive at the airport will help make your getaway to Oakland a pleasure. We've compiled some handy tips for a speedy journey past security:

• Your boarding pass and passport will need to be presented to airport security personnel. Have them close by to avoid fumbling around for them.
• After that, both you and your carry-on bag must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Personal belongings like your belt, coat and earphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, laptop and any other electronics also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Don't forget to remove liquids and gels from your carry-on luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit in a single quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several minutes. Boots and heavy shoes are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on sneakers usually aren't.
• Sharp items like knives are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so pack them in your checked luggage.