Cheap Flights to Saint-Louis from HK$3,298

Depending on where you're coming from, your flight to Saint-Louis could be no sweat at all or it could drag on forever. We've rounded up some useful tips that will help you start your next great adventure on a positive note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Travelling on a plane can be a pleasure if you take the right gear. First things first, you'll need basic toiletries, such as deodorant and a toothbrush, a spare pair of socks and a good book. Next, make room in your hand luggage for your phone, tablet and chargers, your important medications and perhaps a comfy neck pillow too. Last, but definitely not least, don't forget to take your passport, travel documents and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have sharp objects (like a pocket knife) lurking in one of the compartments of your carry-on luggage. Other restricted items include explosive or flammable substances, like aerosols and matches, and gels and liquids in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to go for comfort over style. Prepare for changes in temperature by donning layers, and wear flat, slightly roomy shoes like slip-ons.
• The result of lengthy periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect some passengers during long flights. Lower your risks by drinking water, keeping your feet and legs moving and wearing compression tights or socks.

As seasoned travellers know, the secret is to be organised before you arrive at the security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Saint-Louis in no time at all. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a spectacular start:

• Your travel documents and ID will need to be shown to security personnel. Keep them someplace accessible to avoid fumbling around for them.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your belt, jacket, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your earphones, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them as your turn draws near.
• For just a few minutes, you'll have to unplug from the digital world. Your tablet, phone and any other electronics must also go through the scanner.
• Remove gels and liquids from your hand luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit in a single quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• It's also likely that you'll be required to remove your shoes for scanning, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a good idea.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, put them in your checked suitcase. They won't be allowed on board and will be confiscated.