Cheap Flights to San Antonio from HK$973

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you're prepared. We've compiled a list of essential travel tips that will get your San Antonio holiday started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• It's easy — first, pack your passport, official ID, credit cards and medications. Next, you'll need some in-flight entertainment to while away the time. A thrilling book and a laptop filled with your favourite movies are good options. If you plan to catch forty winks, a quality neck pillow and a pair of noise-cancelling headphones will also be useful. Finally, find room for a few toiletry items to ensure you hop off the plane looking fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Pack all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner in your checked luggage. Any liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) won't be allowed on. Sharp objects, like your trusty Swiss Army knife, and dangerous products which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosol cans, flares and gasoline, are also banned.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your top priority is to be as comfortable as possible. Choose slip-on footwear, dress in loose, natural-fibre clothing and don't forget to bring a jacket in case it gets cold in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Wander around the cabin and stretch your legs or do some gentle exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

A little pre-planning before you get to the airport will make your trip to San Antonio quick and painless. Below are some handy tips for a stress-free journey past security:

• Security personnel first need to make sure that you have a valid ID and boarding pass before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them within easy reach, ready for inspection.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your belt, coat, keys and other small items, like coins, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them before your turn arrives.
• Your electronic gadgets like laptops and phones will also have to go on a tray for inspection. No need to worry though, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Travelling with a new cologne? No problem. As long as it's in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and it's stored in a clear zip-close bag, you're permitted to bring it with you in your carry-on baggage.
• It's also possible you'll be asked to take your shoes off to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a clever idea.
• Knives and other sharp items are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so put them in your checked bags.