Cheap Flights to Piarco from HK$1,604

Wherever you're jetting in from, flying can be a seamless experience if you've planned ahead. Follow these handy hints that will help get your Piarco holiday started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane ride can be a comfortable experience if you bring the right stuff. First of all you'll need basic toiletry items, such as deodorant and a toothbrush, a spare change of clothes and something to read. Secondly, make room in your hand luggage for your phone, tablet and chargers, any daily medications and perhaps a blow-up neck pillow as well. Last, but definitely not least, be sure to bring your passport, travel papers and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have a Swiss Army knife hiding in the bottom of your carry-on luggage. Other banned items include flammable or explosive goods, such as aerosol cans and fuel, and liquids and gels in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• Choose comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes in the cabin by layering up, and opt for easy-to-remove shoes like slip-ons.
• Most travellers are aware of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity. To lessen your risk on board, drink lots of water, consider wearing compression socks and keep your feet and legs moving.

The trick is to be organised before you reach the airport security gate. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Piarco in the blink of an eye. Follow these tips and get your holiday off to a great start:

• Your travel documents and passport will need to be inspected by security personnel. Keep them at hand so you don't hold up the queue.
• Your jacket, belt, keys and other small items, like your earphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them before your turn arrives.
• For just a few moments, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your tablet, phone and any other electronic gadgets will need to go through the scanner.
• Any liquids or gels, such as perfume or hand cream, that you want to take 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-lock bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a good footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when going through security. Big boots and other bulky shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Sharp items such as knives and scissors are not allowed on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so put them in your checked suitcase.