Cheap Flights to Singapore from HK$173

If you're not prepared, air travel can be challenging. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy hints and enjoy a pleasant start to your time in Singapore. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having an awesome flight experience is to pack in advance. Start with the essentials: passport, travel documents, bank cards and vital medications. Next, bring items that'll help pass the time, like your laptop or a juicy novel. It's also smart to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of noise-cancelling headphones. Last but not least, don't forget to chuck in toiletries like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a fresh change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have a pocket knife hiding in one of the zippers of your carry-on luggage. Other banned items include flammable or explosive substances, such as bleach and fuel, and gels and liquids in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your highest priority when choosing what to wear on board. Loose, breathable clothing is a smart option, as are enclosed shoes like sneakers.
• Most of us have heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by long periods of sitting. To lessen your risk on board, drink lots of water, consider wearing compression socks and keep your feet and legs moving.

It's all about being organised. We've rounded up some useful tips for a fuss-free trip through security. Look out Singapore, here you come:

• Your travel documents and passport will need to be presented to airport security personnel. Keep them at hand so you don't have to dig around for them.
• Next up is the X-ray machine. Remove anything metal on you that is likely to set off the scanner's alarm. This includes items like earphones or headphones, as well as your coat or jacket. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• For just a few moments, you'll have to unplug from technology. Your tablet, phone and any other electronic devices will also need to go through the scanner.
• Any liquids or gels, such as perfume or toothpaste, that you want to take on board must be no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, they all must 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 slip-on shoes is always a good idea.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp objects to come on board with you. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked luggage.