Cheap Flights to Sappada from HK$551

Wherever you're jetting in from, flying can be an enjoyable experience if you prepare well enough. Take a peek at these handy hints that will help get your Sappada escape started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a pain-free flight experience is to plan ahead. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, boarding pass, cash and daily medications. Next, bring items that'll help pass the time, like your laptop or a thrilling novel. It's also smart to bring your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. And of course, be sure to chuck in toiletries like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a fresh set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have a pocket knife lurking in your hand luggage. Other restricted items include flammable or explosive products, 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:

• You'll want to go for comfort over style. Prepare for changes in cabin temperature by donning layers, and opt for flat, closed-toe footwear like sneakers.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clotting due to poor circulation, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

As seasoned travellers know, the secret is to be well organised before you arrive at the airport security gate. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Sappada before you know it. Follow these tips and get your holiday off to a fantastic start:

• Have your ID and boarding pass at hand. They'll be the first things you'll be asked to present to security.
• Next up, both you and your hand luggage must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that might trigger the alarms. Personal belongings like your belt, coat and earphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few minutes, you'll have to unplug from the digital world. Your laptop, phone and any other electronic gadgets must also be sent through the scanner.
• Remove all gels and liquids from your hand luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit in a single quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several minutes. Hiking or heavy-style boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on sneakers usually aren't.
• Sharp items such as knives and scissors are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so put them in your checked luggage.