Cheap Flights to Xiangtan County from HK$580

We've got the lowdown on how to make your journey as enjoyable as possible. Follow our top tips and you'll be cruising through airport security and having a blast in Xiangtan County in no time. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a hassle-free travel experience is to pack in advance. First up, the essentials: passport, travel documents, credit cards and important medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you entertained, like your laptop or a juicy novel. It's also smart to pack your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of earphones. 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:

• While the list of banned items differs between air carriers, the general guide to follow is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, blades, aerosol cans and bleaching agents. Sports equipment like golf clubs, and objects that could harm other people, such as swords and batons, won't be allowed on board either.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an aircraft are no place for a fashion parade. Layer up with comfortable clothing and pick shoes that are flat, enclosed and easy to take on and off.
• Most travellers are aware of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by long periods of sitting. To lower your risk on board, drink plenty of water, consider wearing compression socks and keep your legs and feet moving.

Being prepared before you arrive at the airport can make your trip to Xiangtan County easy and painless. Below are some handy tips and tricks for a swift journey past security:

• Keep your travel documents and passport handy. They're the first things you'll be asked to present to airport security.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your jacket, belt, keys and other items in your pocket, like your headphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them as your turn draws near.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, tablet and any other electronic gadgets must also be sent through the scanner.
• Remember to remove liquids and gels from your carry-on luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• There's a possibility that you'll be asked to remove your shoes for scanning, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a clever idea.
• Sharp or pointed objects (like knives and scissors) are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them in your checked luggage.