Cheap Flights to Sao Joao da Madeira from HK$201

We've pulled together all the info you need to make your journey a pleasant experience. Follow our tips and you'll be speeding through airport security and having a blast in Sao Joao da Madeira before you know it. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a worry-free flight experience is to plan ahead. First up, the essentials: passport, travel documents, credit cards and important medications. Next, take on board items that'll help keep you occupied, like some electronic devices or a juicy novel. It's also smart to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of noise-cancelling headphones. And of course, be sure to squeeze in toiletries like a toothbrush, lip balm and a fresh set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have a pocket knife lurking in your carry-on luggage. Other prohibited items include flammable or explosive products, such as aerosol cans and fuel, and liquids and gels in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• Your main priority is to feel as comfortable as you can. Go for flat, closed-toe shoes, dress in loose, breathable clothing and remember to bring a sweater in case you get chilly in the cabin.
• The result of lengthy periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect some passengers on long-distance flights. Lower your risks by staying hydrated, keeping your legs and feet moving and wearing compression socks to help your circulation.

As seasoned travellers know, the secret is to be organised before you reach airport security. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Sao Joao da Madeira in no time at all. Follow these tips and get your holiday off to a great start:

• Have your boarding pass and ID within close reach. They're the first items you'll be asked to present to airport security.
• Your jacket, belt, keys and other items in your pocket, like your headphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them before your turn arrives.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your laptop and phone, are also required to be scanned separately.
• Travelling with a new cologne? No problem. As long as the volume is no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and it's stored in a zip-close bag, it's fine to bring with you in your carry-on bag.
• There's a chance you'll need to remove your shoes for scanning, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a clever idea.
• Knives and other sharp items are not allowed on board. They'll be seized at security, so put them in your checked bags.