Cheap Flights to Kottakkal from HK$265

If you're not prepared, airports and flying can be a real challenge. But there's no need to panic. Follow these tips and tricks for a trouble-free start to your time in Kottakkal. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Firstly, and most importantly, put in your passport, official ID, bank cards and vital medications. Next, you'll want some in-flight entertainment to while away the hours. A thrilling novel and a phone crammed with your favourite shows are some terrific options. If you intend to take a short snooze, a neck pillow and a pair of noise-cancelling headphones will also be useful. Finally, squeeze in a few toiletry items so you'll hop off the plane looking fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Put all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner in your checked baggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) will be confiscated. Sharp objects, like your trusty pocket knife, and dangerous goods which are explosive or flammable, such as aerosol cans, spray paint and gasoline, are also not allowed.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of a plane aren't the place for a fashion parade. Dress in comfortable layers and opt for shoes that are closed-toe, flat and easy to pull on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clotting due to inactivity and poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

A little pre-planning before your flight will help make your trip to Kottakkal a pleasure. Below are some handy hints for a stress-free journey through security:

• Be sure to have your ID and boarding pass easily accessible. They'll be the first things you'll be asked to present to airport security.
• Your coat, belt, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your headphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them before your turn arrives.
• Electronic devices like laptops and phones will also have to go on a tray to be scanned. Don't worry though, you'll be back online in no time.
• Any gels or liquids, such as perfume or hairspray, that you want to bring on board must be no larger 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 practical footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when going through security. Big boots and other heavy-style shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Knives and other sharp items are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so pack them safely away in your checked luggage.