Cheap Flights to Pearl River from HK$972

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be an enjoyable experience if you've planned ahead. We've made a list of essential travel tips that will help get your Pearl River escape started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a hassle-free travel experience is to be prepared. Start with the essentials: passport, travel documents, credit cards and medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you occupied, like some electronic gadgets or a magazine. It's also a wise idea to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of noise-cancelling headphones. Finally, don't forget to toss in toiletries like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a spare change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have a pocket knife lurking in one of the compartments of your carry-on luggage. Other prohibited items include explosive or flammable substances, such as bleach and fuel, and gels and liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your main priority when deciding what to wear on your flight. Loose, breathable clothing is a smart choice, as are flat, slip-on shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Walk around the cabin and give your legs a stretch or do some gentle exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

Being organised before you get to the airport will make your trip to Pearl River a piece of cake. Below are some handy hints for a stress-free journey past security:

• Be sure to keep your boarding pass and passport within easy reach. They're the first things you'll be asked to present to airport security.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your belt, coat, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your headphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• For just a few minutes, you'll have to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, laptop and any other electronic gadgets will need to be sent through the scanner.
• Any liquids or gels, such as perfume or hairspray, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you a few precious minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on sneakers usually aren't.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp or pointed objects to come on board with you. If you need to bring these kinds of items, check them in.