Cheap Flights to Santa Maria from HK$1,209

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be a seamless experience if you prepare well enough. Check out these handy tips that will help get your Santa Maria escape started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Travelling on a plane can be a cruisy experience if you bring the right stuff. Firstly, you'll need basic toiletries, such as a toothbrush and lip balm, a fresh change of clothes and a magazine or two. Next, leave space in your carry-on bag for your laptop, a charger, any medications and perhaps a blow-up neck pillow as well. Lastly, don't forget to take your passport, travel papers and some money.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items can differ between air carriers, the general rule to follow is nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, blades, fuels and bleaching agents. Sporting equipment like ski poles, and objects that could harm other people, such as pepper spray and guns, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your number one priority when choosing what to wear on your flight. Loose clothing is a smart option, as are flat, closed-toe shoes.
• The result of sustained periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot condition that can affect passengers during long flights. Reduce the risks by drinking water, keeping your legs and ankles moving and wearing compression socks to help improve your circulation.

It's all about being prepared. We've pulled together some tips and tricks for a hassle-free trip through airport security. Look out Santa Maria, here you come:

• Security personnel first need to see that you have a valid passport and boarding pass before anything else. Have them close by, ready for inspection.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on bag will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Items such as your belt, coat and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• For just a few moments, you'll need to unplug from technology. Your phone, tablet and any other electronic devices also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Any liquids or gels, such as perfume or hand cream, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you valuable minutes. Hiking or heavy-style boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Lightweight sneakers usually aren't.
• Sharp or pointed objects (like knives and scissors) are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them in your checked suitcase.