Cheap Flights to Lac La Biche from HK$176

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be a seamless experience if you've prepared well enough. Check out these essential travel tips that will get your Lac La Biche escape started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• It's easy — first, put in your passport, travel docs, cash and medications. Next, you'll need some entertainment to help pass the time. A thrilling novel and a laptop crammed with your favourite shows are good options. If you hope to take a quick nap, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of earplugs will also be useful. Finally, make room for a toothbrush and some cleansing wipes to ensure you step off the plane looking fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have sharp objects (like a pocket knife) hiding in one of the compartments of your carry-on luggage. Other banned items include explosive or flammable substances, such as fuel and fireworks, and gels and liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• Go for comfort over style. Prepare for changes in temperature by donning layers, and wear closed-toe, flat shoes like slip-ons.
• Caused by sustained periods of immobility, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect some passengers during long-distance flights. Reduce the risks by staying hydrated, keeping your feet and legs moving and wearing compression socks to help improve your circulation.

The trick is to be organised before you get to the airport security gate. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Lac La Biche in the blink of an eye. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a terrific start:

• Security personnel first need to see that you have a valid passport and matching travel documents before anything else. Have them close by, ready for inspection.
• The X-ray machine comes next. Remove anything on you that is likely to beep. This includes things like headphones or earphones, as well as heavy coats or jackets. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• For just a few minutes, you'll have to unplug from technology. Your phone, tablet and any other electronic devices must also go through the scanner.
• Any liquids or gels, such as shampoo or hand cream, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a sensible footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when going through security. Boots and other heavy-style shoes are usually subjected to extra screening.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp objects in your carry-on luggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked baggage.