Cheap Flights to Tha La from HK$299

If you're not prepared, airports and flying can be a real challenge. But there's no need to panic. Follow these handy hints for a stress-free start to your getaway in Tha La. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a worry-free travel experience is to pack in advance. First up, the essentials: passport, boarding pass, bank cards and any vital medications. Next, take on board items that'll help keep you occupied, like some electronic devices or a magazine. It's also wise to pack your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of noise-cancelling headphones. Finally, be sure to chuck in toiletries like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a clean T-shirt.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have a Swiss Army knife hiding in the bottom of your hand luggage. Other restricted items include explosive or flammable goods, such as aerosol cans and fuel, and liquids and gels in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• Your top priority is to feel as comfortable as you can. Opt for a pair of slip-on shoes, dress in loose, natural-fibre clothing and don't forget to bring a sweater in case you get cold in the cabin.
• Caused by sustained periods of immobility, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot condition that can affect some passengers during long-haul flights. Reduce the risks by drinking water, keeping your legs and feet moving and wearing compression socks or tights.

It's all about being prepared. We've rounded up some useful tips for a speedy trip through airport security. Watch out Tha La, here you come:

• First things first. Your travel documents and passport will need to be shown to security personnel. Have them easily accessible so you don't hold up the line.
• Next up, both you and your hand luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that might trigger the alarms. Items like your belt, coat 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 devices also need to go through the scanner.
• Any liquids or gels, such as shampoo or hairspray, that you want to take 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-close bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several minutes. Boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Lightweight sneakers are usually not.
• Airlines won't allow any pocket knives or other sharp items in your hand luggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked luggage.