Cheap Flights to Braintree from HK$342

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be challenging. But there's no need to worry. Follow these handy tips for a hassle-free start to your holiday in Braintree. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a pain-free flight experience is to plan ahead. Start with the essentials: passport, boarding pass, cash and vital medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you occupied, like some electronic devices or a thrilling book. It's also a wise idea to bring your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of noise-cancelling headphones. Finally, be sure to chuck in toiletries like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a clean T-shirt.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items can differ between airlines, the general guide to follow is nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes things like box cutters, razor blades, fuel and fireworks. Sports equipment like golf clubs, and items that could harm other people, such as guns and swords, aren't allowed in the cabin either.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of a plane are no place for a fashion parade. Dress in comfortable layers and choose shoes that are flat, enclosed and easy to slip on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by extended periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to wander around the cabin or do some gentle exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

A little pre-planning before you arrive at the airport will help make your trip to Braintree easy and painless. Below are some handy tips for a swift journey through security:

• Security personnel first need to verify that you have a valid ID and matching travel documents before anything else. Have them close by, 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 might set the alarms off. Personal belongings such as your belt, coat and headphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few moments, you'll have to unplug from the digital world. Your laptop, phone and any other electronics also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Remove all gels and liquids from your carry-on luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray machine 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.
• The right choice of footwear can save you a few precious minutes. Boots and bulky shoes are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on sneakers usually aren't.
• Knives and other sharp items are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so put them in your checked suitcase.