Cheap Flights to Mount Vernon from HK$3,550

Wherever you're jetting in from, flying can be a seamless experience if you're well prepared. Check out these essential travel tips that will help get your Mount Vernon escape started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First and foremost, pack your passport, official ID, cash and daily medications. Next, you'll want some in-flight entertainment to help pass the time. A juicy book and a laptop crammed with your favourite shows are some fantastic options. If you hope to catch a few z's, a quality neck pillow and some noise-cancelling headphones will also come in handy. Finally, make room for a toothbrush and some cleansing wipes to ensure you touchdown feeling fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have a Swiss Army knife lurking in the bottom of your carry-on luggage. Other banned items include explosive or flammable products, such as fuel and fireworks, and gels and liquids in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• Choose comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes by wearing layers, and wear flat, closed-toe footwear like sneakers.
• Caused by prolonged periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot condition that can affect some passengers on long-distance flights. Lower your risks by staying hydrated, keeping your feet and legs moving and wearing compression socks to help your circulation.

As seasoned travellers know, the secret is to be organised before you get to security. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Mount Vernon in no time at all. Follow these tips and get your holiday off to a flying start:

• Airport security personnel first need to establish that you have a valid ID and boarding pass before you can proceed any further. Have them close by, ready for inspection.
• Next up is the X-ray machine. Remove anything on you that is likely to set off the scanner's alarm. This includes things like headphones or earphones, as well as bulky coats or jackets. They'll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your tablet and phone, will also need to be separately scanned.
• Any liquids or gels, such as perfume or hairspray, that you want to bring on board must be no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a practical footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when going through security. Safety boots and heavier-style shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp objects in the cabin. If you must bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked baggage.