Cheap Flights to Austin from HK$3,721

Wherever you're jetting in from, flying can be an enjoyable experience if you prepare well enough. We've compiled a list of handy hints that will get your Austin escape started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First, put in your passport, official ID, credit cards and daily medications. Next, you'll need some in-flight entertainment to while away the hours. A thrilling book and a laptop crammed with your favourite movies are some wonderful options. If you plan to catch more than just forty winks, a quality neck pillow and some earplugs will also be useful. Finally, leave space for a toothbrush and some facial wipes so you'll touchdown feeling fresh as a daisy.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have sharp objects (like a knife or scissors) lurking in your hand luggage. Other banned items include flammable or explosive substances, such as fuel and fireworks, and gels and liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to go for comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes in the cabin by layering up, and opt for flat, easy-to-remove footwear like slip-ons.
• Most travellers have heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by long periods of sitting. To lower your risk on board, drink lots of water, consider wearing compression tights or socks and keep your legs and feet moving.

As savvy travellers know, the secret is to be well prepared before you get to the security gate. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Austin in the blink of an eye. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a flying start:

• Airport security personnel first need to check that you have a valid ID and travel documents before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them in your hand, ready for inspection.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your belt, jacket, keys and other contents of your pockets, like coins, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them before your turn.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your laptop, phone and any other electronics 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 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-close bag.
• There's a possibility that you'll be asked to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a clever idea.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, pack them safely away in your checked suitcase. They won't be allowed on board and will be confiscated.