Cheap Flights to Houston from HK$1,189

We've pulled together all the info you need to make your journey as pain-free as possible. Follow our insider tips and you'll be cruising through the airport and seeing the best of Houston before you know it. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First things first, put in your passport, travel documents, cash and daily medications. Next, you'll want some in-flight entertainment to while away the hours. A thrilling novel and a phone crammed with your favourite movies are some wonderful options. If you plan to catch up on some sleep, a quality neck pillow and a pair of noise-cancelling headphones will also be useful. Finally, find room for a toothbrush and some cleansing wipes to ensure you arrive looking fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Leave all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hairspray in your checked baggage. Any liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) will be confiscated by security. Pointed or sharp objects, like your treasured Swiss Army knife, and dangerous products which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosols and poisons, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your priority when deciding what to wear on your flight. Loose, breathable clothing is a wise option, as are flat, slip-on shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by lengthy periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to walk around the cabin and stretch your legs or do some simple exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

As savvy travellers know, the secret is to be well organised before you reach airport security. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Houston in the blink of an eye. Follow these tips and get your holiday off to a fantastic start:

• Airport security personnel first need to determine that you have a valid ID and matching boarding pass before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them close by, ready for inspection.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your jacket, belt, keys and other items in your pocket, like your earphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them before your turn.
• All your electronic devices, including your phone and laptop, are also required to be scanned.
• Don't forget to remove liquids and gels from your hand luggage. They usually 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 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. Hiking boots and heavier-style shoes are usually subjected to extra screening.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, pack them safely away in your checked luggage. They won't be allowed on board and will be confiscated.