Cheap Flights to Palmetto from HK$542

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be testing. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy hints and enjoy a worry-free start to your holiday in Palmetto. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a pain-free travel experience is to pack in advance. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, travel documents, credit cards and any vital medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you entertained, like some electronic devices or a juicy novel. It's also a wise idea to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. And of course, don't forget to squeeze in toiletries like a toothbrush, lip balm and a spare change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items differs between air carriers, the general rule to follow is avoid carrying anything flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes knives, scissors, aerosol cans and flares. Sports equipment like bows and arrows, and items that could harm other people, such as firearms and ammunition, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• Go for comfort over style. Prepare for changes in temperature by wearing layers, and pick easy-to-remove footwear like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clotting due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

The trick is to be organised before you get to the airport security gate. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Palmetto in next to no time. Follow these tips and get your holiday off to a great start:

• Your passport and travel documents will need to be presented to security personnel. Have them close by so you don't hold up the line.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your belt, coat, keys and other small items, like coins, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• 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 in no time.
• Remember to remove gels and liquids from your carry-on luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each item should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit inside a single quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a sensible footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when passing through security. Safety boots and other heavy shoes are usually subjected to extra screening.
• Sharp items are not allowed on board. They'll be seized at security, so pack them safely away in your checked baggage.