Cheap Flights to St John's from HK$390

Depending on where you're coming from, your journey to St John's could be a piece of cake or it could drag on forever. Below are some handy hints that will help you start your unforgettable escape on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a hassle-free flight experience is to plan ahead. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, travel documents, bank cards and daily medications. Next, take on board items that'll help pass the time, like some electronic gadgets or a good book. You'll also want to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of noise-cancelling headphones. Last but not least, be sure to toss in toiletry items like a toothbrush, deodorant and a clean T-shirt.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items can differ between air carriers, the general rule of thumb is avoid carrying anything flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, blades, fuel and fireworks. Sports equipment like bows and arrows, and items that could harm other people, such as guns and swords, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to choose comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes by donning layers, and wear easy-to-remove shoes like slip-ons.
• Caused by prolonged periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect some passengers during long flights. Lower your risks by staying hydrated, keeping your lower limbs moving and wearing compression socks to help improve your circulation.

As seasoned travellers know, the secret is to be organised before you reach the security gate. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to St John's in the blink of an eye. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a spectacular start:

• Airport security personnel first need to determine that you have a valid passport and travel documents before anything else. Have them close by, ready for inspection.
• Next up, both you and your hand luggage will be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that might set the alarms off. Items like your belt, jacket and headphones need to go through the machine.
• Your electronic devices like phones and laptops will also have to go on a tray for inspection. Don't worry though, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Any liquids or gels, such as lip balm or cologne, that you want to bring on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several valuable minutes. Boots and bulky shoes are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on shoes are usually not.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp objects in the cabin. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked baggage.