Cheap Flights to Springfield from HK$6,697

If you want to have some extra spending money on your trip to Springfield, listen up! As every seasoned traveller knows, don't leave booking until the last minute. Airfares are usually more expensive close to the departure date. Don't stop there, however. Do some research and find out if there are a few airports at your destination. Prices often differ depending on the airport you pick. Make sure you compare fares across airlines as well. Last but not least, be ready to secure your seat quickly if you find a great price. It might not be available for long. With a bit of knowledge and a little good fortune, the ideal fare will be yours.

If you're not prepared, travelling can be overwhelming. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these useful tips and enjoy a pain-free start to your time in Springfield. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a pain-free travel experience is to pack in advance. First up, the essentials: passport, official ID, bank cards and daily medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you occupied, like some electronic gadgets or a few magazines. It's also wise to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earphones. Finally, be sure to chuck in toiletry items like a toothbrush, deodorant and a spare set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items differs between airlines, the general rule to follow is nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, pocket knives, fuels and bleaching agents. Sporting equipment like ski poles, and items that could injure passengers, such as swords and batons, won't be allowed on board either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your priority is to feel as comfortable as possible. Choose shoes that are easy to pull on and off, dress in loose, breathable clothing and don't forget to bring a pullover in case it gets cold in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clotting due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

The answer is simple — be organised. We've rounded up some handy tips and tricks for a speedy trip through security. Look out Springfield, here you come:

• Keep your passport and boarding pass someplace easily accessible. They're the first things you'll be asked to show at security.
• Your jacket, belt, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your earphones, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• All electronic devices, including your laptop and phone, are also required to be scanned separately.
• Don't forget to remove gels and liquids from your carry-on luggage. They usually 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.
• There's a good chance you'll need to remove your shoes for scanning, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a smart idea.
• Sharp or pointed items can't be taken on board. They'll be seized at security, so put them in your checked suitcase.