Cheap Flights to Madison from HK$6,498

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be challenging. But there's no need to panic. Follow these handy tips and enjoy a stress-free start to your getaway in Madison. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First things first, pack in your passport, travel documents, bank cards and medications. Next, you'll need some entertainment to while away the time. A thrilling book and a phone filled with your favourite movies are some wonderful options. If you intend to catch more than just forty winks, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of noise-cancelling headphones will also be useful. Finally, squeeze in a toothbrush and some facial wipes to ensure you arrive at your destination feeling fresh as a daisy.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Pack all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hairspray in your checked baggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) won't be allowed on. Sharp or pointed objects, like a pocket knife, and products which are explosive or flammable, such as aerosol cans, spray paint and poisons, are also prohibited.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your highest priority when choosing what to wear during your flight. Loose clothing is a wise choice, as are flat, closed-toe shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Make a point of walking around the cabin or do some simple exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

Being organised before your flight will help make your trip to Madison a pleasure. Below are some handy hints for a stress-free journey past security:

• Your travel ID and boarding pass will need to be inspected by airport security personnel. Keep them handy so you don't hold up the queue.
• Next up, both you and your hand luggage must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that might trigger the alarms. Personal belongings such as your belt, jacket and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, tablet and any other electronic devices will need to be sent through the scanner.
• Remember to remove liquids and gels from your carry-on luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit in a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several precious minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on shoes usually aren't.
• Pocket knives and other sharp items can't be taken on board. They'll be seized at security, so put them in your checked suitcase.