Cheap Flights to Mercury from HK$1,365

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be an enjoyable experience if you've prepared well enough. Follow these handy hints that will get your Mercury holiday started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a pain-free flight experience is to pack ahead. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, boarding pass, bank cards and medications. Next, bring items that'll help while away those hours, like your laptop or a thrilling book. It's also a wise idea to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. Last but not least, be sure to pop in toiletry items like a toothbrush, lip balm and a spare change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have sharp objects (like a pocket knife) hiding in one of the zippers of your carry-on luggage. Other restricted items include flammable or explosive products, such as fuel and fireworks, and gels and liquids in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your main concern when deciding what to wear on board. Loose, breathable clothing is a sensible option, as are flat, closed-toe shoes.
• Most travellers have heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity. To lower your risk on board, drink lots of water, consider wearing compression socks or tights and keep your feet and legs moving.

Being prepared before you get to the airport will make your trip to Mercury a piece of cake. Below are some handy tips and tricks for a swift journey past security:

• Security personnel first need to verify that you have a valid passport and travel documents before you're allowed to proceed any further. Keep them within easy reach.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your belt, coat, keys and other small items, like coins, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them as your turn draws near.
• Your electronic devices like phones and laptops will also have to go on a tray to be scanned. Don't worry, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Don't forget to remove gels and liquids from your hand luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit inside a single quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• There's a possibility that you'll need to remove your shoes for scanning, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a smart idea.
• Sharp items are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them safely away in your checked bags.