Cheap Flights to Saint Croix from HK$1,254

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you've prepared well enough. We've put together a list of handy tips and tricks that will help get your Saint Croix holiday started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane ride can be a cruisy experience if you pack the right things. First of all you'll need basic toiletry items, such as deodorant and a toothbrush, a spare set of clothes and a few magazines. Secondly, find room in your hand luggage for your mobile phone, a charger, any daily medications and perhaps a neck pillow too. Lastly, and most importantly, don't forget to take your passport, travel docs and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items can differ between air carriers, the general rule of thumb is nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes knives, scissors, fuels and bleaching agents. Sports equipment like ice skates, and items that could harm passengers, such as swords and guns, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your aim here is to feel as comfortable as possible. Choose shoes that are easy to pull on and off, dress in loose, breathable clothing and remember to bring a pullover in case it gets chilly in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clotting due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

Being organised before you arrive at the airport will make your getaway to Saint Croix a piece of cake. Read through our handy tips and tricks for a speedy journey through security:

• Be sure to have your ID and boarding pass close by. They're the first items you'll be asked to show at security.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your belt, jacket, keys and other small items, like your headphones, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them as your turn draws near.
• For just a few moments, you'll need to unplug from technology. Your phone, tablet and any other electronics must also go through the scanner.
• Remember to remove liquids and gels from your carry-on bag. 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 inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• It's also possible you'll be required to remove your shoes for scanning, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a good idea.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp or pointed objects in your hand luggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked baggage.