Cheap Flights to Framingham from HK$4,490

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 handy tips and enjoy a trouble-free start to your time in Framingham. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First, put in your passport, travel documents, cash and medications. Next, you'll want some in-flight entertainment to help pass the time. A juicy novel and a laptop filled with your favourite shows are always good options. If you hope to take a short nap, a quality neck pillow and a pair of noise-cancelling headphones will also come in handy. Finally, leave space for a few toiletry items to ensure you step off the plane looking fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

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

What to wear on a flight:

• Choose comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes in the cabin by wearing layers, and pick flat, enclosed footwear like sneakers.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-distance flights. It's the result of blood clots forming due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

The answer is — be prepared. We've rounded up some top tips for a stress-free trip through security. Watch out Framingham, here you come:

• Have your passport and travel documents easily accessible. They'll be the first things you'll be asked for by security.
• The X-ray machine comes next. Remove anything metal on you that is likely to beep. This includes items like headphones or earphones, as well as heavy coats or jackets. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your phone and tablet, are also required to be separately scanned.
• Don't forget to remove gels and liquids from your carry-on luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each product should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit in a single quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• It's also likely that you'll be asked to remove your shoes for scanning, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a smart idea.
• Airlines won't allow any pocket knives or other sharp items in the cabin. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked luggage.