Cheap Flights to Stratford from HK$643

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be a pleasurable experience if you prepare well enough. We've put together a list of handy tips and tricks that will help get your Stratford holiday started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Firstly, and most importantly, pack in your passport, travel docs, cash and daily medications. Next, you'll need some extra in-flight entertainment to while away the hours. A juicy novel and a phone filled with your favourite shows are some wonderful options. If you plan to catch a few z's, a quality neck pillow and some noise-cancelling headphones will also be useful. Finally, leave some space for a toothbrush and some cleansing wipes to ensure you touchdown looking fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have a Swiss Army knife hiding in your carry-on luggage. Other prohibited items include flammable or explosive products, such as fuel and matches, and gels and liquids in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• Your priority is to feel as comfortable as you can. Choose slip-on footwear, dress in loose, natural-fibre clothing and remember to bring a sweater in case you get cold in the cabin.
• Most travellers are aware of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by long periods of inactivity. To minimize your risk on board, drink lots of water, consider wearing compression tights or socks and keep your legs and feet moving.

The trick is to be organised before you arrive at airport security. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Stratford in the blink of an eye. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a terrific start:

• Keep your ID and boarding pass handy. They're the first items you'll be asked for by security.
• After that, both you and your carry-on bag will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that might set the alarms off. Personal belongings such as your jacket, belt and headphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few moments, you'll have to unplug from technology. Your phone, laptop and any other electronic gadgets also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Travelling with a new perfume or cologne? As long as the volume is no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and it's stored in a clear zip-lock bag, you're allowed to bring it with you on board.
• Lightweight sneakers are a sensible footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when passing through security. Big boots and heavier-style shoes are usually subjected to extra screening.
• Knives and other sharp items can't be taken on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so put them in your checked luggage.