Cheap Flights to Rio Piracicaba from HK$243

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be a real challenge. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these helpful hints and enjoy a pain-free start to your getaway in Rio Piracicaba. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having an awesome flight experience is to be prepared. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, official ID, bank cards and vital medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you entertained, like your laptop or a thrilling novel. It's also a wise idea to bring your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of noise-cancelling headphones. And of course, don't forget to chuck in toiletries like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a clean T-shirt.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items can differ between air carriers, the general rule of thumb is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes knives, scissors, aerosol cans and bleaching agents. Sports equipment like baseball bats, and objects that could injure passengers, such as swords and batons, aren't allowed in the cabin either.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an aircraft are no place for a fashion parade. Don comfortable layers and opt for shoes that are enclosed, flat and easy to slip on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potential risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clots forming due to poor circulation, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

The trick is to be well prepared before you get to the security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Rio Piracicaba in a flash. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a terrific start:

• Security personnel first need to determine that you have a valid ID and matching boarding pass before anything else. Have them ready to show.
• Your jacket, belt, keys and other small items, like coins, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• All your electronics, including your phone and laptop, are also required to be scanned.
• Any gels or liquids, such as perfume or hand cream, that you want to take on board must be no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Lightweight sneakers are usually not.
• Knives and other sharp items can't be taken on board. They'll be seized at security, so pack them safely away in your checked suitcase.