Cheap Flights to Rio from HK$3,574

Depending on where you're coming from, your flight to Rio could be completely painless or it could drag on forever. Below are some tips that will help you start your next unforgettable escape on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a hassle-free flight experience is to plan ahead. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, travel documents, cash and daily medications. Next, take on board items that'll help keep you occupied, like some electronic devices or a juicy novel. It's also smart to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. Finally, be sure to toss in toiletries like a toothbrush, deodorant and a fresh change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have sharp objects (like a knife or scissors) hiding in one of the compartments of your hand luggage. Other restricted items include explosive or flammable products, such as bleach and fuel, and gels and liquids in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• Your goal here is to be as comfortable as possible. Choose easy-to-remove footwear, dress in loose, natural-fibre clothing and remember to take a jacket in case it gets chilly in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to walk around the cabin or do some gentle exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

As savvy travellers know, the secret is to be well prepared before you reach airport security. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Rio in next to no time. Follow these helpful tips and get your holiday off to a terrific start:

• Security personnel first need to know that you have a valid passport and travel documents before anything else. Have them close by, ready for inspection.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on bag will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that might set the alarms off. Items such as your jacket, belt and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• Your electronic devices like phones and laptops will also need to go on a tray to be scanned. Don't worry, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Travelling with your favourite cologne? No problem. As long as the volume is no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and it's stored in a zip-lock bag, it's fine to bring with you in your carry-on baggage.
• There's a good chance you'll be asked to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a clever idea.
• Sharp or pointed items can't be taken on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them safely away in your checked baggage.