Cheap Flights to Monterey from HK$2,541

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be a seamless experience if you've prepared well enough. Take a peek at these top travel tips that will help get your Monterey escape started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First things first, put in your passport, important documents, credit cards and daily medications. Next, you'll need some in-flight entertainment to while away the time. A juicy novel and a laptop crammed with your favourite movies are some great options. If you intend to catch a few z's, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of earplugs will also come in handy. Finally, leave some space for a toothbrush and some cleansing wipes to ensure you arrive at your destination 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 carry-on luggage. Other restricted items include flammable or explosive products, such as fuel and matches, and gels and liquids 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. Wear layers and pick shoes that are roomy, flat and easy to remove.
• It's likely you've heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by long periods of sitting. To lessen your risk on board, drink lots of water, consider wearing compression socks and keep your feet and legs moving.

The trick is to be well prepared before you get to the airport security gate. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Monterey in the blink of an eye. Follow these tips and get your holiday off to a flying start:

• Airport security personnel first need to verify that you have a valid ID and boarding pass before anything else. Have them within easy reach, ready for inspection.
• Next up is the X-ray machine. Remove anything metal on you that is likely to set off the alarm. This includes items like headphones or earphones, as well as your coat or jacket. They'll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• Your electronic devices like phones and laptops will also have to go through the machine for inspection. Don't worry, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Any liquids or gels, such as toothpaste or perfume, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a sensible footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when passing through security. Big boots and other bulky shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Sharp or pointed objects (like knives and scissors) are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so put them in your checked baggage.