Cheap Flights to La Troncal from HK$5,969

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you prepare well enough. Check out these handy tips and tricks that will help get your La Troncal holiday started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having an awesome flight experience is to pack ahead. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, official ID, cash and daily medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help pass the time, like some electronic gadgets or a good read. It's also a wise idea to bring your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. Last but not least, don't forget to pop in toiletry items like a toothbrush, lip balm and a fresh set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items can differ between airlines, the general rule of thumb is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, drills, fuels and bleaching agents. Sporting equipment like golf clubs, and items that could injure passengers, such as guns and swords, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• Choose comfort over style. Prepare for changes in temperature by wearing layers, and opt for easy-to-remove shoes like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by lengthy periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Make a point of walking around the cabin or do some gentle exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

As savvy travellers know, the secret is to be well prepared before you reach airport security. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to La Troncal before you know it. Follow these tips and get your holiday off to a flying start:

• Airport security personnel first need to check that you have a valid passport and matching boarding pass before anything else. Have them close by, ready for inspection.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your belt, coat, keys and other small items, like your earphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them as your turn draws near.
• All your electronic devices, including your laptop and phone, will also need to be scanned separately.
• Any gels or liquids, such as hair oil or hand cream, that you want to take on board must be no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• It's also possible you'll be required to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a wise idea.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp or pointed objects in your carry-on luggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked baggage.