Cheap Flights to Venecia from HK$1,180

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you've prepared well enough. We've compiled a list of essential travel tips that will help get your Venecia escape started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a pain-free flight experience is to plan ahead. So, let's start with the basics: passport, travel docs, credit cards and daily medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you entertained, like your laptop or a good book. You'll also want to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of headphones. And of course, be sure to pop in toiletries like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a clean set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Squeeze all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hairspray in your checked luggage. Any liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) will be confiscated by security. Sharp objects, like your trusty pocket knife, and dangerous goods which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosol cans, flares and strong acids, are also banned.

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to go for comfort over style. Prepare for changes in cabin temperature by layering up, and wear flat, closed-toe footwear like slip-ons.
• The result of prolonged periods of inactivity, 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 lower limbs moving and wearing compression socks to help your circulation.

The trick is to be prepared before you arrive at security. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Venecia in no time at all. Follow these tips and get your holiday off to a great start:

• First things first. Your travel ID and boarding pass will need to be presented to security personnel. Keep them handy so you don't hold up the line.
• The X-ray machine comes next. Empty your pockets and remove anything metal that is likely to set off the alarm. This includes items like earphones or headphones, as well as heavy jackets or coats. They'll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• Your electronic devices like laptops and phones will also have to go on a tray to be scanned. No need to worry though, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Don't forget to remove liquids and gels from your carry-on luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit in a single quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• There's a good chance you'll be asked to take your shoes off to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a good idea.
• Sharp items are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so put them in your checked suitcase.