Cheap Flights to San Carlos from HK$1,551

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be a pleasurable experience if you're well prepared. We've put together a list of handy tips that will get your San Carlos escape started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a hassle-free travel experience is to pack ahead. So, let's start with the basics: passport, travel docs, credit cards and daily medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you entertained, like some electronic gadgets or a good book. It's also a wise idea to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. Last but not least, don't forget to squeeze in toiletry items like a toothbrush, lip balm and a clean T-shirt.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have a Swiss Army knife lurking in your carry-on luggage. Other restricted items include flammable or explosive substances, like aerosols and matches, and gels and liquids in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• Go for comfort over style. Prepare for changes in cabin temperature by layering up, and opt for flat, slightly roomy shoes like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potential risk on long-haul 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 tights or socks.

It's easy — be prepared. We've put together some top tips for an easy trip through airport security. Watch out San Carlos, here you come:

• Keep your travel documents and ID within close reach. They're the first things you'll be asked to show at security.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on bag will be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Items like your coat, belt and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• Your electronic devices like phones and laptops will also have to go through the machine for inspection. Don't worry though, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Remove all gels and liquids from your hand luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each item should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit inside a single quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• 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.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp objects in your carry-on luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked luggage.