Cheap Flights to Salinas from HK$1,503

We've got the lowdown on how to make your flight an enjoyable experience. Follow our insider tips and you'll be zooming through the airport and having a ball in Salinas before you know it. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a great travel experience is to pack ahead. First up, the essentials: passport, boarding pass, cash and vital medications. Next, take on board items that'll help while away those hours, like some electronic gadgets or a thrilling novel. You'll also want to bring your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of noise-cancelling headphones. Last but not least, be sure to chuck in toiletries like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a spare set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have sharp objects (like a pocket knife) lurking in one of the zippers of your hand luggage. Other prohibited items include flammable or explosive products, like aerosols and matches, and gels and liquids in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to choose comfort over style. Prepare for changes in cabin temperature by layering up, and pick flat, slightly roomy footwear like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by extended periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Wander around the cabin and stretch your legs or do some simple exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

Being organised before you get to the airport will help make your trip to Salinas a piece of cake. We've compiled some useful tips for a speedy journey through security:

• Have your passport and boarding pass easily accessible. They're the first things you'll be asked to show at airport security.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your belt, jacket, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your headphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• For just a few moments, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, tablet and any other electronics must also go through the scanner.
• Can't travel without your favourite cologne? No problem. As long as the volume is no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and it's stored in a clear zip-lock bag, you can keep it with you on board.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several valuable minutes. Boots and bulky shoes are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Lightweight sneakers usually aren't.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp items or pocket knives in your hand luggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked luggage.