Cheap Flights to Filadelfia from HK$2,796

If you're not prepared, air travel can be challenging. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy tips for a comfortable start to your getaway in Filadelfia. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Travelling on a plane can be a pleasure if you pack the right stuff. Firstly, you'll want some basic toiletries, such as deodorant, toothpaste and a toothbrush, a fresh change of clothes and a magazine or two. Next, make room in your carry-on bag for your phone and charger, your medications and maybe a blow-up neck pillow too. Lastly, be sure to bring your passport, travel documents and some cash.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have sharp objects (like a pocket knife) lurking in your hand luggage. Other restricted items include explosive or flammable products, such as fuel and fireworks, and gels and liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your main concern when choosing what to wear on board. Loose, breathable clothing is a wise choice, as are roomy, closed-toe shoes.
• Caused by prolonged periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect some passengers during long-distance flights. Lower your risks by staying hydrated, keeping your lower limbs moving and wearing compression socks to help improve your circulation.

The answer is simple — be organised. We've compiled some top tips for a stress-free trip through airport security. Look out Filadelfia, here you come:

• First things first. Your ID and travel documents will need to be shown to airport security. Keep them at hand so you don't hold up the queue.
• After that, both you and your carry-on bag must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Items such as your jacket, belt and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, laptop and any other electronic devices must also go through the scanner.
• Any gels or liquids, such as hair oil or hand cream, that you want to take on board must be no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a great footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when going through security. Safety boots and heavier-style shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp items or pocket knives to come on board with you. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked luggage.