Cheap Flights to São Bernardo do Campo from HK$249

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be a real challenge. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy hints and enjoy a hassle-free start to your time in São Bernardo do Campo. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Travelling on a plane can be a pleasure if you pack the right gear. Firstly, you'll need basic toiletries, such as lip balm and hand cream, a spare pair of socks and a good book. Next, make room in your hand luggage for your laptop, a charger, medications and perhaps a cosy neck pillow too. Lastly, and most importantly, don't forget to bring your passport, travel documents and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have a pocket knife hiding in one of the compartments of your hand luggage. Other restricted items include flammable or explosive substances, such as fuel and fireworks, and liquids and gels in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your highest priority when deciding what to wear on board. Loose clothing is a smart option, as are flat, enclosed shoes.
• Caused by prolonged periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot condition that can affect passengers during long-haul flights. Reduce the risks by drinking water, keeping your ankles and legs moving and wearing compression tights or socks.

As seasoned travellers know, the secret is to be well prepared before you arrive at security. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to São Bernardo do Campo in no time at all. Follow these tips and get your holiday off to a fantastic start:

• Your passport and boarding pass will need to be presented to airport security. Have them close by so you don't hold up the line.
• After that, both you and your carry-on bag must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that might set the alarms off. Personal belongings like your belt, coat and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• For just a few moments, you'll need to unplug from technology. Your tablet, phone and any other electronics also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Remove liquids and gels from your hand luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit in a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a sensible footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when passing through security. Hiking boots and other heavy-style shoes are usually subjected to extra screening.
• Pocket knives and other sharp items are not allowed on board. They'll be seized at security, so put them in your checked suitcase.