Cheap Flights to Santa Maria from HK$897

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be a seamless experience if you prepare well enough. We've made a list of handy tips and tricks that will get your Santa Maria holiday started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• It's easy — first, pack in your passport, official ID, wallet and vital medications. Next, you'll need some in-flight entertainment to while away the time. A juicy novel and a phone filled with your favourite shows are some great options. If you plan to take a short snooze, a neck pillow and some noise-cancelling headphones will also be useful. Finally, squeeze in a few toiletry items so you'll step off the plane feeling fresh as a daisy.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have sharp objects (like a knife or scissors) lurking in the bottom of your hand luggage. Other banned items include flammable or explosive substances, such as aerosol cans and bleach, and gels and liquids in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• Your aim here is to feel as comfortable as possible. Choose slip-on footwear, dress in loose, natural-fibre clothing and remember to take a jacket in case it gets chilly in the cabin.
• Caused by prolonged periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect passengers during long-haul flights. Lower your risks by staying hydrated, keeping your ankles and legs moving and wearing compression socks or tights.

Being prepared before you get to the airport will help make your trip to Santa Maria a piece of cake. We've rounded up some handy hints for a speedy journey past security:

• Your travel ID and boarding pass will need to be presented to airport security personnel. Have them easily accessible so you don't hold up the line.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your jacket, belt, keys and other items in your pocket, like your headphones, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• For just a few minutes, you'll have to unplug from technology. Your tablet, phone and any other electronic gadgets must also go through the scanner.
• Travelling with your favourite perfume or cologne? No problem. As long as the volume is no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and it's stored in a zip-lock bag, you're permitted to bring it with you on board.
• Slip-on shoes are a clever footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when passing through security. Safety boots and heavier-style shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, pack them in your checked baggage. They won't be allowed on board.