Cheap Flights to The Blue Mountains from HK$343

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be challenging. But there's no need to panic. Follow these tips and tricks for a pleasant start to your getaway in The Blue Mountains. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First things first, put in your passport, travel docs, wallet and daily medications. Next, you'll need some entertainment to help pass the time. A juicy book and a phone filled with your favourite movies are good options. If you intend to catch more than just forty winks, a neck pillow and a pair of noise-cancelling headphones will also come in handy. Finally, squeeze in a toothbrush and some deodorant so you'll touchdown feeling fresh as a daisy.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items can differ between airlines, the general rule to follow is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes knives, scissors, aerosol cans and bleaching agents. Sporting equipment like bows and arrows, and items that could injure passengers, such as swords and batons, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to choose comfort over style. Prepare for changes in cabin temperature by wearing layers, and pick flat, slightly roomy shoes like sneakers.
• Caused by sustained periods of immobility, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot condition that can affect passengers during long-haul flights. Reduce the risks by staying hydrated, keeping your ankles and legs moving and wearing compression socks or tights.

It's all about being prepared. We've pulled together some tips and tricks for a speedy trip through airport security. Watch out The Blue Mountains, here you come:

• Security personnel first need to check that you have a valid ID and boarding pass before anything else. Keep them within easy reach.
• After that, both you and your hand luggage will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Personal belongings like your coat, belt and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• Your electronic devices like laptops and phones will also have to go through the machine for inspection. Don't worry though, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Travelling with a new hand and nail cream? As long as the volume is no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and it's stored in a zip-close bag, you can keep it with you in your carry-on.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you valuable minutes. Boots and heavy shoes are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on shoes are usually not.
• Sharp or pointed objects (like knives and scissors) are not allowed on board. They'll be seized at security, so put them in your checked suitcase.