Cheap Flights to Laredo from HK$6,320

If you're not prepared, air travel can be a real challenge. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these tips and tricks and enjoy a pain-free start to your getaway in Laredo. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a great travel experience is to pack ahead. Start with the essentials: passport, boarding pass, credit cards and vital medications. Next, bring items that'll help pass the time, like your laptop or a thrilling novel. It's also a wise idea to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of noise-cancelling headphones. Finally, be sure to toss in toiletry items like a toothbrush, deodorant and a clean T-shirt.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have sharp objects (like a pocket knife) lurking in one of the compartments of your carry-on luggage. Other restricted items include explosive or flammable substances, like aerosols and matches, and liquids and gels in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an aircraft aren't the place for a fashion parade. Layer up with comfortable clothing and pick shoes that are enclosed, flat and easy to slip on and off.
• The result of sustained periods of immobility, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect some passengers on long-haul flights. Lower your risks by staying hydrated, keeping your legs and feet moving and wearing compression socks to help your circulation.

It's simple — be prepared. We've pulled together some useful tips for a stress-free trip through airport security. Look out Laredo, here you come:

• First things first. Your boarding pass and travel ID will need to be inspected by airport security. Keep them at hand so you don't have to dig around for them.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your belt, jacket, keys and other items in your pocket, like your headphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them before your turn.
• For just a few minutes, you'll have to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, tablet and any other electronics also need to go through the scanner.
• Want to bring along your favourite cologne? As long as the volume is no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and it's stored in a zip-close bag, you're permitted to bring it with you in your carry-on baggage.
• There's a possibility that you'll be asked to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a smart idea.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in 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.