Cheap Flights to East Meadow from HK$1,050

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be a seamless experience if you're well prepared. We've put together a list of essential travel tips that will help get your East Meadow holiday started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Travelling on a plane can be a cruisy experience if you've got all the right stuff. Firstly, you'll need toiletry items, such as deodorant and a toothbrush, a spare pair of socks and a good novel. Secondly, find room in your bag for your phone, tablet and chargers, any medications and maybe a proper neck pillow as well. Lastly, and most importantly, remember to take your passport, travel documents and some money.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have a pocket knife lurking in one of the compartments of your carry-on luggage. Other banned items include flammable or explosive products, such as fuel and fireworks, and liquids and gels in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an airplane are no place for a fashion parade. Don comfortable layers and go for shoes that are flat, roomy and easy to slip on and off.
• Most travellers have heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by long periods of inactivity. To lower your risk on board, drink lots of water, consider wearing compression tights or socks and move your legs and feet often.

The answer is — be prepared. We've compiled some useful tips for a speedy trip through security. Watch out East Meadow, here you come:

• Have your boarding pass and passport easily accessible. They're the first things you'll be asked to show at security.
• Your jacket, belt, keys and other items in your pocket, like your headphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them before your turn arrives.
• For just a few moments, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, laptop and any other electronic devices must also go through the scanner.
• Remember to remove liquids and gels from your hand luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray scanner 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-lock bag.
• There's a chance you'll need to remove your shoes for scanning, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a clever idea.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, pack them safely away in your checked suitcase. They won't be allowed on board and will be confiscated.