Cheap Flights to St Ives from HK$862

If you're not prepared, air travel can be daunting. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these tips and tricks for a worry-free start to your holiday in St Ives. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane trip can be a cruisy experience if you carry the right things. Firstly, you'll need toiletry items, such as deodorant and a toothbrush, a fresh set of clothes and a good novel. Secondly, leave space in your carry-on bag for your laptop, a charger, medications and perhaps a blow-up neck pillow as well. Lastly, and most importantly, remember to take your passport, travel papers and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items can differ between airlines, the general guide to follow is nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes things like tools, metal cutlery, fuel and fireworks. Sporting equipment like baseball bats, and objects that could harm other people, such as pepper spray and guns, aren't allowed in the cabin either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your top priority is to be as comfortable as you can. Opt for easy-to-remove footwear, dress in loose, breathable clothing and don't forget to take a sweater in case it gets chilly in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by extended periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Make a point of walking around the cabin or do some simple exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

The trick is to be well prepared before you get to the security gate. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to St Ives in no time flat. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a flying start:

• Security personnel first need to check that you have a valid passport and boarding pass before you can proceed any further. Keep them close by.
• Your coat, belt, keys and other contents of your pockets, like coins, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• For just a few minutes, you'll have to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, tablet and any other electronic gadgets will need to go through the scanner.
• Remember to remove liquids and gels from your carry-on bag. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each product should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit in a single quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several minutes. Boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on shoes are usually not.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, put them in your checked luggage. They won't be allowed in the cabin.