Cheap Flights to Sharjah from HK$1,503

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be a seamless experience if you've prepared well. Take a peek at these handy tips that will help get your Sharjah holiday started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane trip can be a cruisy experience if you take the right things. First things first, you'll need toiletry items, such as a toothbrush and hairbrush, a fresh set of clothes and a good novel. Next, leave space in your carry-on bag for your phone and charger, any daily medications and perhaps a comfy neck pillow as well. Lastly, and most importantly, remember to take your passport, travel papers and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Squeeze all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hair gel in your checked baggage. Any liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) will be confiscated by security. Sharp objects, like your treasured Swiss Army knife, and products which are explosive or flammable, such as aerosols and fuels, are also prohibited.

What to wear on a flight:

• Go for comfort over style. Prepare for changes in cabin temperature by wearing layers, and opt for flat, slightly roomy shoes like slip-ons.
• Most travellers have heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by long periods of inactivity. To reduce your risk on board, drink plenty of water, consider wearing compression tights or socks and keep your feet and legs moving.

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

• Keep your boarding pass and ID handy. They'll be the first things you'll be asked for by airport security.
• After that, both you and your carry-on luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Items such as your belt, coat and headphones need to go through the machine.
• All electronic devices, including your phone and tablet, will also need to be scanned separately.
• Any gels or liquids, such as toothpaste or perfume, 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 several minutes. Hiking or heavy-style boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on sneakers are usually not.
• Sharp items are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them safely away in your checked bags.