Cheap Flights to Pismo Beach from HK$4,412

If you're not prepared, air travel can be challenging. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these helpful hints and enjoy a pain-free start to your holiday in Pismo Beach. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Travelling on a plane can be a great experience if you take the right things. First of all you'll need toiletry items, such as lip balm and hand cream, a spare change of clothes and a good read. Next, leave space in your bag for your phone and charger, your medications and perhaps a comfy neck pillow as well. Lastly, don't forget to take your passport, travel papers and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Leave 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) won't be allowed on. Pointed or sharp objects, like your pocket knife, and dangerous products which are explosive or flammable, such as aerosol cans, spray paint and gasoline, are also prohibited.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your main concern when deciding what to wear on your flight. Loose clothing is a wise choice, as are roomy, closed-toe shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to wander around the cabin or do some simple exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

The trick is to be well organised before you reach airport security. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Pismo Beach in the blink of an eye. Follow these helpful tips and get your holiday off to a fantastic start:

• Keep your travel documents and passport within easy reach. They're the first things you'll be asked to show at airport security.
• Next up is the X-ray machine. Remove anything on you that is likely to set off the alarm. This includes items like earphones or headphones, as well as heavy jackets or coats. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• For just a few minutes, you'll have to unplug from technology. Your tablet, phone and any other electronics also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Travelling with your favourite perfume? No problem. As long as the volume is no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and it's stored in a zip-lock bag, you can bring it with you on board.
• There's a possibility that you'll be asked to take your shoes off to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a smart idea.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp items or pocket knives in the cabin. If you must bring these kinds of items, check them in.