Cheap Flights to Matara from HK$968

Wherever you're jetting in from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you're prepared. Follow these top travel tips that will help get your Matara holiday started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• It's simple — first, pack in your passport, important documents, bank cards and medications. Next, you'll want some in-flight entertainment to while away the hours. A juicy book and a tablet filled with your favourite shows are some great options. If you hope to catch a few z's, a comfy neck pillow and some earplugs will also be useful. Finally, make room for a few toiletry items so you'll touchdown looking fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items differs between airlines, the general rule of thumb is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes box cutters, razor blades, spray paint and flares. Sports equipment like baseball bats, and objects that could harm other people, such as pepper spray and firearms, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your top priority when choosing what to wear on your flight. Loose clothing is a wise choice, as are enclosed shoes like sneakers.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by extended periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to walk around the cabin or do some gentle exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

The trick is to be prepared before you arrive at the security gate. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Matara in a flash. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a fantastic start:

• Be sure to have your boarding pass and passport someplace easily accessible. They're the first things you'll be asked for by airport security.
• Your belt, jacket, keys and other small items, like coins, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them before your turn.
• For just a few moments, you'll need to unplug from technology. Your phone, laptop and any other electronics also need to go through the scanner.
• Any liquids or gels, such as toothpaste or perfume, that you want to take on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several precious minutes. Boots and heavy shoes are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Lightweight sneakers usually aren't.
• Knives and other sharp items are not allowed on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them in your checked luggage.