Cheap Flights to Lousada from HK$229

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be a seamless experience if you're well prepared. We've made a list of handy tips and tricks that will help get your Lousada escape started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Travelling on a plane can be a great experience if you've got all the right things. Firstly, you'll need toiletry items, such as deodorant and a toothbrush, a spare pair of socks and a magazine or two. Next, make room in your hand luggage for your electronic gadgets, chargers, medications and perhaps a cosy neck pillow too. Last, but definitely not least, don't forget to bring your passport, travel documents and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items differs between air carriers, the general guide to follow is nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes knives, scissors, fuels and bleaching agents. Sporting equipment like golf clubs, and objects that could injure passengers, such as guns and swords, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your priority when choosing what to wear on board. Loose clothing is a smart option, as are enclosed shoes like sneakers.
• The result of prolonged periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect some passengers on long-haul flights. Lower your risks by drinking water, keeping your legs moving and wearing compression socks or tights.

The trick is to be prepared before you arrive at the airport security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Lousada in no time at all. Follow these helpful tips and get your holiday off to a terrific start:

• Security personnel first need to determine that you have a valid ID and matching boarding pass before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them ready to show.
• After that, both you and your carry-on luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Items such as your belt, coat and headphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, laptop and any other electronics also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Travelling with your favourite cologne? As long as the volume is no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and it's stored in a clear zip-close bag, you can keep it with you in your carry-on baggage.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you valuable minutes. Boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Lightweight sneakers usually aren't.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp items or pocket knives in your hand luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked luggage.