Cheap Flights to Madrid from HK$1,258

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be a pleasurable experience if you've planned ahead. Take a peek at these essential travel tips that will help get your Madrid holiday started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a stress-free flight experience is to be prepared. So, let's start with the basics: passport, travel docs, bank cards and medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you occupied, like some electronic gadgets or a good read. It's also smart to bring your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. And of course, be sure to toss in toiletry items like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a clean set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have sharp objects (like a knife or scissors) hiding in one of the zippers of your carry-on luggage. Other banned items include flammable or explosive products, such as fuel and matches, and liquids and gels in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• Your aim is to feel as comfortable as you can. Opt for shoes that are easy to slip on and off, dress in loose, breathable clothing and don't forget to bring a pullover in case it gets chilly in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-distance flights. It results from blood clotting due to poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

As savvy travellers know, the secret is to be well organised before you get to security. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Madrid in no time at all. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a fantastic start:

• Security personnel first need to know that you have a valid passport and matching boarding pass before you can proceed any further. Have them ready to show.
• Next up, both you and your hand 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 earphones need to go through the machine.
• All electronic devices, including your laptop and phone, are also required to be scanned separately.
• Remove all gels and liquids from your hand luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each product should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you a few precious minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on sneakers usually aren't.
• Airlines will not allow any pocket knives or other sharp items in the cabin. If you need to bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked baggage.