Cheap Flights to Southgate from HK$540

Wherever you're jetting in from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you've prepared well. We've put together a list of handy hints that will get your Southgate holiday started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• It's simple — first, pack your passport, important documents, wallet and daily medications. Next, you'll need some entertainment to while away the hours. A juicy novel and a laptop crammed with your favourite movies are good options. If you hope to catch up on some sleep, a quality neck pillow and some noise-cancelling headphones will also be useful. Finally, find room for a toothbrush and some deodorant to ensure you step off the plane looking fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Pack all your full-sized bottles of hair gel and hairspray in your checked luggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) won't be allowed on. Sharp or pointed objects, like your beloved Swiss Army knife, and dangerous goods which are explosive or flammable, such as flares, chemicals agents and matches, are also banned.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your priority when deciding what to wear during your flight. Loose, breathable clothing is a sensible option, as are enclosed shoes like sneakers.
• You've probably heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged periods of sitting. To minimize your risk on board, drink lots of water, consider wearing compression socks and do gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat.

As seasoned travellers know, the secret is to be well prepared before you reach the airport security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Southgate in no time at all. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a fantastic start:

• Keep your boarding pass and passport within easy reach. They're the first things you'll be asked for by 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. Personal belongings such as your jacket, belt and headphones need to go through the machine.
• Your electronic gadgets 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.
• Any gels or liquids, such as shampoo or hairspray, that you want to take on board must be no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• There's a possibility that you'll be required to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a wise idea.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp items or pocket knives in the cabin. If you must bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked luggage.