Cheap Flights to Kirkwall from HK$6,493

If you're not prepared, airports and flying can be a real challenge. But there's no need to panic. Follow these helpful hints for a pleasant start to your time in Kirkwall. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having an amazing travel experience is to plan ahead. First up, the essentials: passport, official ID, bank cards and important medications. Next, bring items that'll help pass the time, like your laptop or a good read. It's also smart to bring your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of earphones. And of course, be sure to squeeze in toiletries like a toothbrush, deodorant and a clean T-shirt.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have a pocket knife hiding in the bottom of your carry-on luggage. Other restricted items include explosive or flammable products, such as aerosol cans and fuel, and gels and liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your priority when deciding what to wear during your flight. Loose, breathable clothing is a sensible choice, as are flat, slip-on shoes.
• Most of us have heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by long periods of sitting. To lower your risk on board, drink plenty of water, consider wearing compression tights or socks and keep your legs and feet moving.

A little pre-planning before you arrive at the airport will help make your trip to Kirkwall a pleasure. Check out our top tips for a swift journey through security:

• Keep your ID and travel documents within close reach. They'll be the first things you'll be asked for by airport security.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your belt, coat, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your earphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them as your turn draws near.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your tablet and phone, are also required to be scanned.
• Any gels or liquids, such as shampoo or hairspray, 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.
• Slip-on shoes are a great footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when passing through security. Big boots and other bulky shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, pack them in your checked baggage. They won't be allowed on board and will be confiscated.