Cheap Flights to San Jose from HK$545

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be a seamless experience if you've prepared well enough. Take a peek at these handy hints that will get your San Jose escape started on the right note.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having an amazing flight experience is to be prepared. First up, the essentials: passport, official ID, credit cards and vital medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help pass the time, like your laptop or a thrilling novel. It's also a wise idea to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earphones. Finally, don't forget to pop in toiletries like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a spare change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have sharp or pointed objects hiding in the bottom of your hand luggage. Other prohibited items include explosive or flammable products, such as aerosol cans and fuel, and liquids and gels in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• The narrow aisles of an airplane are no place for a fashion parade. Layer yourself up with comfortable clothes and bring a cardigan as the temperature can drop in the cabin on long-haul flights. Flat, enclosed shoes are also recommended.
• Unfortunately, one risk of long-distance flying is developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by lengthy periods of inactivity. To prevent this from happening, take every opportunity to walk around and give your legs a stretch. Compression tights and socks are another great idea to help lower your risk.

The simple answer is — be prepared. We've pulled together some useful tips for a speedy trip through security. Watch out San Jose, here you come:

• Security personnel first need to make sure that you have a valid ID and matching travel documents before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them ready for inspection.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that might trigger the alarms. Items like your coat, belt and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• Your electronic devices like phones and laptops will also have to go on a tray to be scanned. Don't worry, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Any gels or liquids, such as perfume or hand cream, that you want to take on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several valuable minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on sneakers are usually not.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, put them in your checked baggage. They won't be allowed on board and will be confiscated.