Cheap Flights to Old Manali from HK$348

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be daunting. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these tips and tricks and enjoy a trouble-free start to your holiday in Old Manali. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Firstly, and most importantly, pack your passport, important documents, credit cards and vital medications. Next, you'll want some in-flight entertainment to while away the time. A juicy novel and a laptop filled with your favourite shows are some fantastic options. If you plan to catch a few z's, a comfy neck pillow and some noise-cancelling headphones will also come in handy. Finally, make room for a few toiletry items to ensure you step off the plane feeling fresh as a daisy.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Squeeze all your full-sized bottles of hair gel and hairspray in your checked luggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) will be confiscated. Pointed or sharp objects, like a pocket knife, and products which are explosive or flammable, such as aerosol cans, flares and gasoline, are also banned.

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to go for comfort over style. Prepare for changes in cabin temperature by layering up, and wear flat, closed-toe footwear like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clotting due to inactivity and poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

The trick is to be well organised before you get to security. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Old Manali in no time at all. Follow these helpful tips and get your holiday off to a flying start:

• Be sure to have your passport and travel documents within close reach. They're the first items you'll be asked to present to airport security.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on luggage will be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Personal belongings like your belt, coat and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• Electronic devices like phones and laptops will also need to go on a tray to be scanned. Don't worry, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Any liquids or gels, such as toothpaste or perfume, that you want to bring on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), zip-lock bag.
• There's a chance you'll be asked to remove your shoes for scanning, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a good idea.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp objects to come on board with you. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked luggage.