Cheap Flights to Lat Ya from HK$498

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you're well prepared. Check out these top travel tips that will get your Lat Ya escape started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First and foremost, put in your passport, travel documents, wallet and medications. Next, you'll want some entertainment to while away the hours. A juicy book and a tablet filled with your favourite shows are good options. If you plan to take a quick nap, a quality neck pillow and some noise-cancelling headphones will also be useful. Finally, leave some space for a few toiletry items to ensure you touchdown looking and feeling fresh.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items can differ between airlines, the general guide to follow is nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes things like screwdrivers, pocket knives, aerosol cans and flares. Sporting equipment like ice skates, and items that could injure passengers, such as pepper spray and firearms, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• Go for comfort over style. Prepare for changes in cabin temperature by donning layers, and opt for closed-toe, flat shoes like sneakers.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clots forming due to poor circulation, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

The secret is to be prepared before you arrive at security. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Lat Ya in a flash. Follow these tips and get your holiday off to a great start:

• Security personnel first need to verify that you have a valid ID and boarding pass before you can proceed any further. Have them ready for inspection.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on bag will be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that might set the alarms off. Personal belongings like your coat, belt and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• For just a few minutes, you'll have to unplug from the digital world. Your laptop, phone and any other electronics will need to be sent through the scanner.
• Can't travel without your favourite hand cream? Not a problem. As long as the volume is no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and it's stored in a zip-lock bag, you can bring it with you in your carry-on luggage.
• Lightweight sneakers are a practical footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when passing through security. Hiking boots and other heavy shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Knives and other sharp items are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so put them in your checked bags.