Cheap Flights to Salem from HK$8,839

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be testing. But there's no need to panic. Follow these tips and tricks and enjoy a pain-free start to your time in Salem. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having an amazing travel experience is to pack in advance. First up, the essentials: passport, official ID, cash and any vital medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help pass the time, like your laptop or a good read. It's also wise to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of noise-cancelling headphones. Last but not least, don't forget to toss in toiletry items like a toothbrush, lip balm and a fresh set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Leave all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hairspray in your checked luggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) will be confiscated by security. Sharp or pointed objects, like your trusty pocket knife, and dangerous products which are explosive or flammable, such as flares, bleaching agents and matches, are also prohibited.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your priority when choosing what to wear during your flight. Loose, breathable clothing is a wise choice, as are flat, slip-on shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potential risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clots forming due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

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

• Be sure to have your boarding pass and ID handy. They're the first things you'll be asked to show at airport security.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your belt, jacket, keys and other small items, like coins, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them before your turn arrives.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from technology. Your phone, tablet and any other electronic gadgets will need to be sent through the scanner.
• Can't travel without your favourite hand and nail cream? No problem. As long as the volume is no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and it's stored in a clear zip-close bag, you're allowed to bring it with you in your carry-on bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a good footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when going through security. Hiking boots and other heavy-style shoes are usually subjected to extra screening.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, pack them in your checked luggage. They won't be allowed on board and will be confiscated.