Cheap Flights to Freetown from HK$5,137

Depending on where you're coming from, your flight to Freetown could be as easy as pie or it could go on forever. We've put together some useful hints that will help you start your next great escape on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First of all, put in your passport, important documents, wallet and daily medications. Next, you'll want some in-flight entertainment to while away the hours. A juicy novel and a laptop crammed with your favourite movies are good options. If you intend to take a short snooze, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of noise-cancelling headphones will also come in handy. Finally, make room for a toothbrush and some cleansing wipes so you'll touchdown feeling fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

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

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to choose comfort over style. Prepare for changes in temperature by layering up, and wear flat, easy-to-remove shoes like sneakers.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to walk around the cabin and stretch your legs or do some gentle exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

As seasoned travellers know, the secret is to be well organised before you arrive at the airport security gate. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Freetown in a flash. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a flying start:

• Have your boarding pass and passport someplace easily accessible. They'll be the first things you'll be asked for by airport security.
• Next up is the X-ray machine. Empty your pockets and remove anything that is likely to set off the alarm. This includes things like earphones or headphones, as well as your coat or jacket. They'll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• All electronic gadgets, including your laptop and phone, are also required to be scanned separately.
• Any gels or liquids, such as lip balm or cologne, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several valuable minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on sneakers usually aren't.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp or pointed objects in the cabin. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked luggage.