Cheap Flights to Minami-Alps from HK$407

We've pulled together all the info you need to make your journey a pleasant experience. Follow our tips and tricks and you'll be cruising through the airport and seeing the best of Minami-Alps in no time. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane trip can be a cruisy experience if you bring the right things. Firstly, you'll want a few basic toiletries, such as a toothbrush and hairbrush, a clean set of clothes and a few magazines. Next, make room in your bag for your phone and charger, medications and maybe a quality neck pillow too. Last, but definitely not least, don't forget to bring your passport, travel docs and some money.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items can differ between air carriers, the general guide to follow is avoid carrying anything flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes tools, metal cutlery, spray paint and flares. Sporting equipment like ski poles, and objects that could injure passengers, such as pepper spray and guns, won't be allowed on board either.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of a plane aren't the place for a fashion parade. Wear layers and choose shoes that are flat, roomy and easy to take on and off.
• Most of us have heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged periods of sitting. To minimize your risk on board, drink plenty of water, consider wearing compression tights or socks and do gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat.

As savvy travellers know, the secret is to be well prepared before you reach airport security. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Minami-Alps in no time flat. Follow these helpful tips and get your holiday off to a terrific start:

• Security personnel first need to make sure that you have a valid passport and matching boarding pass before you can proceed any further. Have them within easy reach, ready for inspection.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on luggage will be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Personal belongings like your jacket, belt and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• For just a few moments, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your laptop, phone and any other electronic gadgets must also be sent through the scanner.
• Remove all gels and liquids from your carry-on bag. They often need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each item should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit in a single quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several valuable minutes. Hiking or heavy-style boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on sneakers usually aren't.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp or pointed objects in your hand luggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked baggage.