Cheap Flights to Manchester from HK$5,288

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be a pleasurable experience if you prepare well enough. We've put together a list of top travel tips that will get your Manchester escape started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First and foremost, pack your passport, important documents, credit cards and vital medications. Next, you'll want some in-flight entertainment to while away the time. A thrilling book and a tablet crammed with your favourite shows are good options. If you hope to take a quick snooze, a quality neck pillow and some noise-cancelling headphones will also be useful. Finally, leave space for a toothbrush and some cleansing wipes to ensure you arrive looking fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have a pocket knife lurking in the bottom of your hand luggage. Other prohibited items include explosive or flammable substances, such as bleach and fuel, and liquids and gels in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an airplane are no place for a fashion parade. Dress in comfortable layers and go for shoes that are flat and easy to slip on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-distance flights. It's the result of blood clotting due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

The secret is to be organised before you reach the security gate. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Manchester in the blink of an eye. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a fantastic start:

• Be sure to have your boarding pass and ID easily accessible. They'll be the first things you'll be asked to show at security.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your jacket, belt, keys and other small items, like coins, will be required 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 tablet, phone and any other electronic gadgets also need to go through the scanner.
• Any gels or liquids, such as perfume or hairspray, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• There's a chance you'll be required to take your shoes off to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a smart idea.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, put them in your checked suitcase. They won't be allowed in the cabin.