Cheap Flights to Phaya Mengrai from HK$306

If you're not prepared, airports and flying can be tough. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these useful tips and enjoy a pleasant start to your holiday in Phaya Mengrai. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having an amazing flight experience is to plan ahead. So, let's start with the basics: passport, travel documents, cash and vital medications. Next, take on board items that'll help keep you occupied, like your laptop or a thrilling book. You'll also want to pack your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of headphones. Last but not least, don't forget to pop in toiletries like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a clean T-shirt.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have sharp objects (like a knife or scissors) hiding in one of the zippers of your hand luggage. Other restricted items include flammable or explosive goods, such as aerosol cans and bleach, and gels and liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of a plane are no place for a fashion parade. Don comfortable layers and choose shoes that are flat, enclosed and easy to take on and off.
• Caused by lengthy periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect passengers during long flights. Reduce the risks by staying hydrated, keeping your legs and ankles moving and wearing compression tights or socks.

The answer is — be prepared. We've pulled together some top tips for an easy trip through security. Watch out Phaya Mengrai, here you come:

• Be sure to have your passport and boarding pass easily accessible. They'll be the first things you'll be asked to show at security.
• After that, both you and your carry-on luggage will be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Personal belongings like your belt, jacket and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• All electronic devices, including your tablet and phone, are also required to be separately scanned.
• Any liquids or gels, such as hair oil or hand cream, that you want to bring 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.
• It's also likely that you'll be required to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a wise idea.
• Sharp items like knives can't be taken on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them in your checked baggage.