Cheap Flights to Sterling from HK$1,249

Depending on where you're coming from, your flight to Sterling could be a piece of cake or it could drag on forever. We've pulled together some useful hints that will help you start your next big adventure on a positive note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First things first, pack your passport, important documents, bank cards and medications. Next, you'll need some extra in-flight entertainment to while away the time. A thrilling book and a laptop filled with your favourite movies are some wonderful options. If you intend to take a quick nap, a quality neck pillow and some earplugs will also be useful. Finally, make room for a toothbrush and some cleansing wipes so you'll arrive feeling fresh as a daisy.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Put all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner in your checked baggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) will be confiscated by security. Pointed or sharp objects, like your trusty pocket 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:

• You'll want to go for comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes in the cabin by donning layers, and pick slightly roomy, flat footwear like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clots forming due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

The trick is to be well organised before you reach security. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Sterling before you know it. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a fantastic start:

• Airport security personnel first need to know that you have a valid ID and matching travel documents before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them close by, ready for inspection.
• After that, both you and your carry-on bag must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Personal belongings such as your jacket, belt and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• For just a few moments, you'll have to unplug from technology. Your tablet, phone and any other electronic gadgets also need to go through the scanner.
• Any gels or liquids, such as lip balm or cologne, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you valuable minutes. Boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on sneakers are usually not.
• Sharp items are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so put them in your checked bags.