Cheap Flights to El Cairo from HK$7,316

We all know those lucky travellers who manage to nab super cheap fares every time they fly. Want to know how to do it for your El Cairo holiday? Don't leave it until the last minute to secure your flight. Don't stop there, however. Do some research and see if there are a couple of airports at your destination. Fares often differ depending on which airport you fly into. Make sure you compare prices across airlines too. And finally, remember that the early bird catches the worm. Familiarise yourself with airfare costs and be ready to reserve your seat as soon as you see a great bargain. The sweetest deals don't last long.

If you're poorly prepared, travelling can be a real challenge. But there's no need to worry. Follow these tips and tricks and enjoy a hassle-free start to your getaway in El Cairo. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a pain-free flight experience is to pack ahead. So, let's start with the basics: passport, travel docs, credit cards and daily medications. Next, take on board items that'll help while away those hours, like your laptop or a magazine. It's also smart to pack your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of earphones. Finally, be sure to squeeze in toiletries like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a spare change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have a pocket knife lurking in your carry-on luggage. Other prohibited items include flammable or explosive substances, such as aerosol cans and bleach, and liquids and gels in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to go for comfort over style. Prepare for changes in cabin temperature by wearing layers, and pick flat, slightly roomy footwear like slip-ons.
• Most travellers are aware of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity. To lessen your risk on board, drink plenty of water, consider wearing compression socks or tights and do gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat.

Being prepared before your flight will make your getaway to El Cairo a piece of cake. Below are some handy hints for a speedy journey past security:

• Have your boarding pass and passport someplace easily accessible. They're the first items you'll be asked to present to airport security.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your belt, jacket, keys and other contents of your pockets, like coins, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them as your turn draws near.
• For just a few minutes, you'll have to unplug from technology. Your phone, laptop and any other electronic gadgets will need to go through the scanner.
• Any gels or liquids, such as perfume or toothpaste, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you valuable minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Lightweight sneakers are usually not.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp items or pocket knives in your carry-on luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked baggage.