Cheap Flights to Skiathos from HK$389

Depending on where you're coming from, your trip to Skiathos could be completely painless or it could go on forever. We've pulled together some useful hints that will help you start your next big adventure on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First and foremost, pack your passport, travel docs, cash and medications. Next, you'll need some in-flight entertainment to while away the hours. A thrilling novel and a phone crammed with your favourite shows are some great options. If you hope to catch more than just forty winks, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of noise-cancelling headphones will also be useful. Finally, leave some space for a toothbrush and some facial wipes to ensure you arrive feeling fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items differs between air carriers, the general guide to follow is nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes things like screwdrivers, drills, fuel and fireworks. Sporting equipment like bows and arrows, and objects that could injure passengers, such as swords and batons, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an aircraft aren't the place for a fashion parade. Layer your clothing and choose shoes that are closed-toe, flat and easy to take on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-distance flights. It's the result of blood clotting due to inactivity and poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

Being organised before your flight can make your trip to Skiathos a piece of cake. Below you'll find some top tips for a swift journey past security:

• First things first. Your travel ID and boarding pass will need to be presented to security personnel. Have them easily accessible so you don't hold up the queue.
• After that, both you and your hand luggage must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that might trigger the alarms. Items such as your belt, jacket and earphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few moments, you'll need to unplug from technology. Your tablet, phone and any other electronics will also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Remember to remove liquids and gels from your carry-on luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit inside a single quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a practical footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when passing through security. Big boots and other heavy-style shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Sharp items like knives are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so put them in your checked suitcase.