Cheap Flights to Dagenham from HK$1,839

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be challenging. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these useful tips and enjoy a stress-free start to your time in Dagenham. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a worry-free travel experience is to pack in advance. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, boarding pass, credit cards and important medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you entertained, like your laptop or a juicy novel. It's also a wise idea to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. Finally, don't forget to squeeze in toiletry items like a toothbrush, deodorant and a fresh set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items differs between airlines, the general rule to follow is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, blades, aerosol cans and bleaching agents. Sporting equipment like ski poles, and objects that could injure passengers, such as pepper spray and guns, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• Go for comfort over style. Prepare for changes in cabin temperature by dressing in layers, and pick flat, easy-to-remove shoes like slip-ons.
• Caused by prolonged periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot condition that can affect passengers on long-distance flights. Reduce the risks by staying hydrated, keeping your lower limbs moving and wearing compression socks to help improve your circulation.

As seasoned travellers know, the secret is to be prepared before you arrive at the security gate. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Dagenham before you know it. Follow these helpful tips and get your holiday off to a great start:

• Security personnel first need to verify that you have a valid ID and boarding pass before anything else. Keep them within easy reach.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on luggage will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Items such as your belt, coat and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• Your electronic gadgets like laptops and phones will also need to go on a tray to be scanned. Don't worry, you'll be back online in no time.
• Any liquids or gels, such as lip balm or cologne, that you want to bring on board must be no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a practical footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when going through security. Hiking boots and other heavy shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Sharp items like knives are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so pack them in your checked luggage.