Cheap Flights to Santa Tecla from HK$170

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be a real challenge. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy hints and enjoy a stress-free start to your time in Santa Tecla. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Flying can be a comfortable experience if you bring the right things. Firstly, you'll need basic toiletry items, such as deodorant and a toothbrush, a fresh set of clothes and something to read. Secondly, leave space in your carry-on bag for your laptop, a charger, your medications and maybe a blow-up neck pillow too. Lastly, remember to bring your passport, travel papers and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have sharp objects (like a knife or scissors) lurking in your carry-on luggage. Other restricted items include flammable or explosive goods, such as bleach and fuel, and gels and liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• Your top priority is to feel as comfortable as you can. Opt for a pair of slip-on shoes, dress in loose, natural fibers and don't forget to take a pullover in case you get chilly in the cabin.
• Caused by lengthy periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect some passengers on long-distance flights. Reduce the risks by staying hydrated, keeping your legs and ankles moving and wearing compression tights or socks.

A little pre-planning before your flight can make your trip to Santa Tecla quick and painless. Below you'll find some useful tips and tricks for a stress-free journey past security:

• Airport security personnel first need to know that you have a valid passport and matching travel documents before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them close by, ready for inspection.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your belt, jacket, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your headphones, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• For just a few moments, you'll need to unplug from technology. Your laptop, phone and any other electronic gadgets also need to go through the scanner.
• Remember to remove gels and liquids from your carry-on luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit in a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several minutes. Boots and heavy shoes are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on sneakers are usually not.
• Sharp or pointed objects (like knives and scissors) are not allowed on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so put them in your checked suitcase.