Cheap Flights to Patong from HK$253

If you're not prepared, air travel can be challenging. But there's no need to panic. Follow these helpful hints for a pain-free start to your holiday in Patong. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Travelling on a plane can be a cruisy experience if you've got all the right stuff. Firstly, you'll want some toiletry items, such as a toothbrush and some deodorant, a clean set of clothes and a magazine or two. Next, leave space in your hand luggage for your phone and charger, your important medications and perhaps a comfy neck pillow as well. Lastly, be sure to bring your passport, travel documents and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Leave all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner in your checked baggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) won't be allowed on. Sharp objects, like your trusty pocket knife, and dangerous products which are explosive or flammable, such as flares, bleaching agents and fireworks, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your aim is to feel as comfortable as you can. Pick flat, closed-toe shoes, dress in loose, natural-fibre clothing and don't forget to bring a pullover in case it gets cold in the cabin.
• Most travellers have heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity. To minimize your risk on board, stay hydrated, consider wearing compression socks or tights and keep your feet and legs moving.

The secret is to be organised before you arrive at security. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Patong in next to no time. Follow these helpful tips and get your holiday off to a terrific start:

• Your ID and travel documents will need to be inspected by airport security. Keep them someplace accessible so you don't hold up the line.
• After that, both you and your carry-on luggage will be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that might trigger the alarms. Items like your belt, jacket and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from technology. Your tablet, phone and any other electronics will also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Don't forget to remove gels and liquids from your carry-on luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• There's a possibility that you'll be required to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a good idea.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, put them in your checked luggage. They won't be allowed on board.