Cheap Flights to Santa Maria from HK$1,184

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be a pleasurable experience if you're well organised. We've put together a list of handy tips and tricks that will get your Santa Maria holiday started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane ride can be a comfortable experience if you pack the right gear. First of all you'll need toiletry items, such as a toothbrush and hairbrush, a spare change of clothes and a good read. Secondly, make room in your carry-on bag for your electronic gadgets, chargers, your important medications and perhaps a comfy neck pillow as well. Lastly, and most importantly, remember to take your passport, travel documents and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have a Swiss Army knife lurking in one of the compartments of your carry-on luggage. Other prohibited items include explosive or flammable substances, such as fuel and fireworks, and gels and liquids in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your main concern when deciding what to wear during your flight. Loose clothing is a wise option, as are flat, slip-on shoes.
• You're probably aware of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged periods of sitting. To lessen your risk on board, drink lots of water, consider wearing compression socks and keep your legs and feet moving.

A little pre-planning before you arrive at the airport will make your trip to Santa Maria quick and painless. We've compiled some handy tips for a stress-free journey through security:

• Your travel ID and boarding pass will need to be inspected by airport security. Have them close by so you don't hold up the queue.
• After that, both you and your carry-on luggage must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Items like your coat, belt and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• For just a few moments, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your laptop, phone and any other electronics must also go through the scanner.
• Travelling with your favourite hand and nail cream? As long as the volume is no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and it's stored in a clear zip-lock bag, you can bring it with you in your carry-on luggage.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you a few precious minutes. Hiking or heavy-style boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on shoes are usually not.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, pack them in your checked suitcase. They won't be allowed on board and will be confiscated.