Cheap Flights to Carpinteria from HK$1,392

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be challenging. But there's no need to panic. Follow these handy hints and enjoy a worry-free start to your getaway in Carpinteria. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having an amazing flight experience is to be prepared. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, travel docs, cash and important medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you entertained, like your laptop or a juicy novel. It's also a wise idea to bring your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earphones. And of course, don't forget to toss in toiletry items like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a fresh change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items differs between air carriers, the general guide to follow is nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes things like box cutters, razor blades, fuels and bleaching agents. Sporting equipment like baseball bats, and objects that could injure passengers, such as firearms and ammunition, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your main priority is to be as comfortable as you can. Pick shoes that are easy to pull on and off, dress in loose, natural fibers and remember to bring a sweater in case it gets cold in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-distance flights. It results from blood clotting due to inactivity and poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

It's all about being organised. We've put together some top tips for a fuss-free trip through security. Watch out Carpinteria, here you come:

• Your travel documents and passport will need to be shown to airport security personnel. Keep them handy to avoid fumbling around for them.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your jacket, 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 before your turn.
• All your electronic devices, including your phone and tablet, will also need to be scanned.
• Any gels or liquids, such as shampoo or hairspray, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you a few precious minutes. Boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on shoes usually aren't.
• Sharp items such as knives and scissors are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so put them in your checked bags.