Cheap Flights to Santa Rosa from HK$1,188

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be a pleasurable experience if you're prepared. We've made a list of handy tips and tricks that will help get your Santa Rosa holiday started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a hassle-free flight experience is to be prepared. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, official ID, cash and important medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you occupied, like your laptop or a magazine. It's also smart to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earphones. And of course, don't forget to toss in toiletry items like a toothbrush, deodorant and a fresh set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items differs between airlines, the general rule of thumb is nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, drills, fuels and bleaching agents. Sporting equipment like baseball bats, and items that could injure passengers, such as swords and guns, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your highest priority when choosing what to wear during your flight. Loose clothing is a sensible choice, as are roomy, closed-toe shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of 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 answer is simple — be organised. We've pulled together some tips and tricks for a speedy trip through airport security. Look out Santa Rosa, here you come:

• Your travel documents and passport will need to be shown to airport security personnel. Keep them someplace accessible so you don't hold up the queue.
• Next up, both you and your hand luggage will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that might set the alarms off. Items such as your belt, coat 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.
• Remove gels and liquids from your carry-on bag. They often need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each item should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a sensible footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when passing through security. Safety boots and other heavy shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Sharp or pointed objects (like knives and scissors) can't be taken on board. They'll be seized at security, so pack them in your checked suitcase.