Cheap Flights to Honiara from HK$5,429

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be testing. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy hints and enjoy a stress-free start to your holiday in Honiara. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• It's easy — first, pack in your passport, travel documents, bank cards and vital medications. Next, you'll need some entertainment to while away the hours. A juicy book and a phone filled with your favourite movies are some wonderful options. If you intend to catch up on some sleep, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of earplugs will also come in handy. Finally, leave space for a toothbrush and some deodorant to ensure you arrive looking and feeling fresh.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items differs between airlines, the general rule to follow is nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes knives, scissors, fireworks and fuel. Sporting equipment like golf clubs, and objects that could injure passengers, such as pepper spray and firearms, aren't allowed in the cabin either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your main concern when deciding what to wear on board. Loose, breathable clothing is a wise option, as are enclosed 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 wander around the cabin or do some gentle exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

Being prepared before you get to the airport can make your trip to Honiara quick and painless. We've compiled some handy tips for a swift journey past security:

• Security personnel first need to verify that you have a valid ID and boarding pass before anything else. Have them ready to show.
• After that, both you and your carry-on bag must be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that might set the alarms off. Items such as your belt, jacket and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• Electronic devices like laptops and phones will also have to go through the machine for inspection. Don't worry though, you'll be back online before you know it.
• 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 item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit in a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several precious minutes. Boots and bulky shoes are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on shoes are usually not.
• Sharp items such as knives and scissors are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them in your checked baggage.