Cheap Flights to Natchitoches from HK$983

If you're not prepared, air travel can be challenging. But there's no need to panic. Follow these handy hints and enjoy a stress-free start to your getaway in Natchitoches. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane ride can be a great experience if you bring the right gear. Firstly, you'll want some basic toiletries, such as lip balm and hand cream, a fresh change of clothes and a good novel. Next, find room in your hand luggage for your mobile phone, a charger, your important medications and maybe a comfy neck pillow too. Last, but definitely not least, remember to take your passport, travel documents and some cash.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

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

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your top priority when deciding what to wear during your flight. Loose, breathable clothing is a smart choice, as are enclosed shoes like sneakers.
• Caused by prolonged periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect some passengers during long-distance flights. Lower your risks by staying hydrated, keeping your legs moving and wearing compression socks or tights.

The answer is simple — be organised. We've rounded up some handy tips and tricks for a stress-free trip through airport security. Watch out Natchitoches, here you come:

• Security personnel first need to establish that you have a valid ID and matching boarding pass before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them within easy reach, ready for inspection.
• After that, both you and your carry-on luggage will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Personal belongings such as your jacket, belt and earphones need to go through the machine.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your phone and laptop, are also required to be separately scanned.
• Any liquids or gels, such as shampoo or hairspray, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a good footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when going through security. Safety boots and heavier-style shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Sharp items are not allowed on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them in your checked luggage.