Cheap Flights to Santo Domingo from HK$288

Wherever you're jetting in from, flying can be a pleasurable experience if you prepare well enough. Follow these handy tips that will get your Santo Domingo escape started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having an awesome flight experience is to pack ahead. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, official ID, bank cards and daily medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you entertained, like some electronic gadgets or a few magazines. You'll also want to pack your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of headphones. Finally, don't forget to toss in toiletries like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a spare set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items differs between air carriers, the general guide to follow is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes things like screwdrivers, pocket knives, spray paint and fireworks. Sports equipment like bows and arrows, and items that could harm passengers, such as swords and guns, won't be allowed on board either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Choose comfort over style. Prepare for changes in temperature by layering up, and wear flat, closed-toe shoes like slip-ons.
• You're probably aware of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity. To minimize your risk on board, drink lots of water, consider wearing compression socks and keep your legs and feet moving.

A little pre-planning before you get to the airport can make your trip to Santo Domingo easy and painless. We've rounded up some handy tips and tricks for a speedy journey through security:

• Keep your boarding pass and ID easily accessible. They'll be the first things you'll be asked to show at airport security.
• After that, both you and your hand luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Items such as your belt, jacket and headphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from technology. Your phone, laptop and any other electronic gadgets must also go through the scanner.
• Any gels or liquids, such as hair oil 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-lock bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a good footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when going through security. Boots and other heavy-style shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Airlines won't allow any pocket knives or other sharp items in the cabin. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked luggage.