Cheap Flights to San Antonio from HK$4,849

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you've prepared well. Follow these handy hints that will get your San Antonio holiday started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First and foremost, put in your passport, official ID, wallet and daily medications. Next, you'll need some extra in-flight entertainment to while away the time. A juicy novel and a laptop filled with your favourite shows are some great options. If you hope to take a short nap, a neck pillow and a pair of noise-cancelling headphones will also be useful. Finally, leave some space for a toothbrush and some deodorant to ensure you step off the plane looking fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have a pocket knife lurking in the bottom of your hand luggage. Other banned items include explosive or flammable products, such as fuel and matches, and liquids and gels in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your top priority when choosing what to wear on your flight. Loose clothing is a sensible choice, as are flat, enclosed shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clots forming due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

The simple answer is — be prepared. We've put together some tips and tricks for a fuss-free trip through airport security. Watch out San Antonio, here you come:

• Security personnel first need to make sure that you have a valid ID and matching boarding pass before you can proceed any further. Keep them within easy reach.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your belt, coat, keys and other items in your pocket, like your earphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them as your turn draws near.
• Your electronic gadgets like phones and laptops will also have to go on a tray to be scanned. Don't worry though, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Travelling with your favourite perfume? Not a problem. As long as it's in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and it's stored in a zip-close bag, you're allowed to bring it with you in your carry-on.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several precious minutes. Boots and heavy shoes are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on sneakers are usually not.
• Sharp items are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them safely away in your checked luggage.