Cheap Flights to Downtown Apia from HK$1,621

If you're not prepared, airports and flying can be daunting. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these helpful hints for a pain-free start to your time in Downtown Apia. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane trip can be a pleasure if you pack the right gear. Firstly, you'll want some toiletry items, such as a toothbrush and hairbrush, a clean pair of socks and a few magazines. Next, find room in your carry-on bag for your laptop, a charger, your medications and perhaps a neck pillow too. Last, but definitely not least, remember to take your passport, travel papers and some cash.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Squeeze all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hair gel in your checked baggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) won't be allowed on. Sharp objects, like your treasured Swiss Army knife, and dangerous products which are explosive or flammable, such as aerosols and fireworks, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of a plane aren't the place for a fashion parade. Layer up with comfy clothing and pick shoes that are flat and easy to slip on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-distance flights. It's the result of blood clotting due to poor circulation, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

The secret is to be organised before you arrive at security. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Downtown Apia in the blink of an eye. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a terrific start:

• Airport security personnel first need to know that you have a valid ID and boarding pass before you can proceed any further. Keep them within easy reach.
• After that, both you and your carry-on luggage will be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Personal belongings such as your belt, jacket and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• Your electronic devices like phones and laptops will also need to go on a tray to be scanned. Don't worry though, you'll be back online in no time.
• Any liquids or gels, such as lip balm or cologne, that you want to take on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• It's also likely that you'll be asked to take your shoes off to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a wise idea.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp objects in your hand luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked baggage.