Cheap Flights to San Mateo from HK$596

If you're not prepared, air travel can be tough. But there's no need to worry. Follow these handy tips for a stress-free start to your holiday in San Mateo. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Firstly, and most importantly, put in your passport, travel docs, cash and daily medications. Next, you'll want some in-flight entertainment to while away the hours. A thrilling novel and a tablet filled with your favourite shows are some fantastic options. If you intend to catch more than just forty winks, a comfy neck pillow and some earplugs will also be useful. Finally, find room for a toothbrush and some deodorant to ensure you hop off the plane looking fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have a sharp object lurking in one of the compartments of your hand luggage. Other restricted items include flammable or explosive products, such as aerosol cans and bleach, and gels and liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• Your aim is to feel as comfortable as possible. Choose shoes that are easy to slip on and off, dress in loose, natural-fibre clothing and remember to take a pullover in case you get 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. Try to wander around the cabin or do some gentle exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

The trick is to be well organised before you get to airport security. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to San Mateo before you know it. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a spectacular start:

• Be sure to have your travel documents and passport within easy reach. They're the first things you'll be asked to present to security.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Items such as your coat, belt and earphones need to go through the machine.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your phone and tablet, are also required to be scanned separately.
• Any liquids or gels, such as shampoo or hand cream, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one litre), zip-lock bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you valuable minutes. Boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on sneakers usually aren't.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp or pointed objects in your carry-on luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked luggage.