Cheap Flights to Xihu from HK$497

Wherever you're jetting in from, flying can be a seamless experience if you prepare well enough. Take a peek at these handy hints that will help get your Xihu escape started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First of all, put in your passport, important documents, bank cards and medications. Next, you'll need some entertainment to help pass the time. A juicy book and a laptop filled with your favourite movies are some terrific options. If you hope to catch a few z's, a comfy neck pillow and some earplugs will also be useful. Finally, squeeze in a toothbrush and some facial wipes so you'll touchdown looking fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have a Swiss Army knife lurking in your hand luggage. Other restricted items include flammable or explosive substances, such as bleach and fuel, and liquids and gels in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• Your aim is to feel as comfortable as you can. Opt for a pair of slip-on shoes, dress in loose, natural fibers and don't forget to bring a sweater in case you get cold in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-distance flights. It results from blood clots forming due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

The trick is to be well organised before you get to security. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Xihu in a flash. Follow these helpful tips and get your holiday off to a fantastic start:

• Security personnel first need to know that you have a valid passport and travel documents before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them in your hand, ready for inspection.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on luggage will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Items such as your belt, coat and headphones need to go through the machine.
• Your electronic devices like phones and laptops will also have to go through the machine to be scanned. No need to worry though, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Remember to remove liquids and gels from your carry-on luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit in a single quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a practical footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when going through security. Big boots and other heavy-style shoes are usually subjected to extra screening.
• Airlines will not allow any pocket knives or other sharp items to come on board with you. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked baggage.