Cheap Flights to Austin from HK$617

Wherever you're jetting in from, flying can be an enjoyable experience if you've prepared well. We've made a list of top travel tips that will get your Austin escape started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a hassle-free travel experience is to pack ahead. So, let's start with the basics: passport, official ID, credit cards and medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you entertained, like some electronic gadgets or a good book. It's also a wise idea to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of headphones. And of course, don't forget to pop in toiletry items like a toothbrush, deodorant and a spare set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have a Swiss Army knife hiding in the bottom of your hand luggage. Other banned items include explosive or flammable goods, such as aerosol cans and bleach, and gels and liquids in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your priority when choosing what to wear on board. Loose, breathable clothing is a smart option, as are roomy, closed-toe shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clots forming due to poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

Being organised before you get to the airport can make your getaway to Austin easy and painless. Read through our useful tips and tricks for a speedy journey through security:

• Be sure to keep your boarding pass and ID someplace easily accessible. They're the first items you'll be asked for by airport security.
• Next up is the X-ray machine. Remove anything on you that is likely to set off the alarm. This includes items like earphones or headphones, as well as heavy jackets or coats. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• Electronic devices like phones and laptops will also have to go through the machine to be scanned. Don't worry though, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Remove all liquids and gels from your carry-on bag. They often need to be sent through the X-ray 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 sensible footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when passing through security. Big boots and other bulky shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Pocket knives and other sharp items can't be taken on board. They'll be seized at security, so pack them in your checked bags.