Cheap Flights to Saint Helena Island from HK$583

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you're prepared. Follow these handy tips and tricks that will get your Saint Helena Island escape started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Flying can be a pleasure if you carry the right things. Firstly, you'll want some toiletry items, such as lip balm and hand cream, a clean set of clothes and a good book. Secondly, make room in your bag for your laptop, a charger, any vital medications and maybe a cosy neck pillow as well. Lastly, don't forget to take your passport, travel docs and some cash.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have a Swiss Army knife lurking in the bottom of your hand luggage. Other restricted items include explosive or flammable goods, such as aerosol cans and bleach, and gels and liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• Your aim is to be as comfortable as you can. Opt for shoes that are easy to slip on and off, dress in loose, natural-fibre clothing and don't forget to take a pullover in case you get cold in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-distance flights. It results from blood clotting due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

Being organised before you get to the airport will make your getaway to Saint Helena Island a pleasure. We've compiled some handy tips and tricks for a stress-free journey past security:

• Security personnel first need to determine that you have a valid ID and matching boarding pass before anything else. Keep them close by.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your belt, jacket, keys and other small items, like your earphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them as your turn draws near.
• All electronic devices, including your tablet and phone, must also be scanned.
• Don't forget to remove gels and liquids from your carry-on bag. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each product should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit in a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you a few precious minutes. Boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Lightweight sneakers are usually not.
• Pocket knives and other sharp items are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them in your checked bags.