Cheap Flights to Potters Bar from HK$283

Wherever you're jetting in from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you've planned ahead. We've put together a list of handy tips that will get your Potters Bar escape started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First things first, pack your passport, official ID, bank cards and daily medications. Next, you'll need some entertainment to while away the hours. A juicy novel and a tablet crammed with your favourite shows are some great options. If you intend to take a short nap, a quality neck pillow and some noise-cancelling headphones will also come in handy. Finally, leave space for a toothbrush and some deodorant so you'll touchdown feeling fresh as a daisy.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have a sharp object lurking in the bottom of your hand luggage. Other banned items include explosive or flammable goods, such as bleach and fuel, and liquids and gels in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an aircraft are no place for a fashion parade. Layer your clothing and opt for shoes that are enclosed, flat and easy to pull on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clotting due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

As seasoned travellers know, the secret is to be well organised before you arrive at security. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Potters Bar before you know it. Follow these helpful tips and get your holiday off to a spectacular start:

• Be sure to keep your passport and boarding pass easily accessible. They're the first items you'll be asked to show at airport security.
• After that, both you and your carry-on luggage must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Items such as your belt, coat and earphones need to go through the machine.
• All your electronics, including your laptop and phone, are also required to be scanned separately.
• Any gels or liquids, such as perfume or hand cream, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), zip-lock bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a clever footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when going through security. Boots and other bulky shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Sharp items are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so put them in your checked baggage.