Cheap Flights to Basingstoke from HK$1,360

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be a seamless experience if you prepare well enough. Check out these handy tips and tricks that will help get your Basingstoke escape started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a pain-free travel experience is to plan ahead. Start with the essentials: passport, travel docs, credit cards and medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you busy, like some electronic devices or a good read. You'll also want to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earphones. Last but not least, don't forget to toss in toiletries like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a clean T-shirt.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Leave all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hair gel in your checked baggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) won't be allowed on. Pointed or sharp objects, like your beloved Swiss Army knife, and products which are explosive or flammable, such as aerosols and gasoline, are also prohibited.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your top priority is to feel as comfortable as you can. Opt for a pair of flat, closed-toe shoes, dress in loose, breathable clothing and remember to bring a sweater in case you get chilly in the cabin.
• You're probably aware of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged periods of sitting. To lower your risk on board, drink plenty of water, consider wearing compression socks or tights and keep your legs and feet moving.

As seasoned travellers know, the secret is to be well organised before you arrive at the security gate. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Basingstoke in no time flat. Follow these helpful tips and get your holiday off to a spectacular start:

• Security personnel first need to verify that you have a valid ID and travel documents before anything else. Have them ready for inspection.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your coat, belt, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your earphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them as your turn draws near.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your tablet and phone, will also need to be separately scanned.
• Any liquids or gels, such as perfume or hand cream, that you want to take on board must be no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• It's also possible you'll need to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a smart idea.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp items or pocket knives in your carry-on baggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked baggage.