Cheap Flights to Stanford from HK$2,651

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be daunting. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy hints and enjoy a comfortable start to your holiday in Stanford. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• It's simple — first, put in your passport, travel docs, wallet and medications. Next, you'll want some entertainment to while away the time. A thrilling novel and a phone crammed with your favourite movies are some fantastic options. If you plan to take a short nap, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earplugs will also be useful. Finally, make room for a toothbrush and some facial wipes so you'll step off the plane feeling fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items differs between airlines, the general rule to follow is nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes knives, scissors, fuels and bleaching agents. Sporting equipment like ski poles, and items that could injure passengers, such as swords and guns, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your priority when deciding what to wear during your flight. Loose clothing is a smart choice, as are flat, closed-toe shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Walk around the cabin and give your legs a stretch or do some gentle exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

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

• Security personnel first need to determine that you have a valid ID and matching boarding pass before anything else. Have them within easy reach, ready for inspection.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on bag must be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that might set the alarms off. Items such as your belt, coat and headphones need to go through the machine.
• Electronic devices like laptops and phones will also have to go through the machine to be scanned. Don't worry, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Travelling with a new perfume? Not a problem. As long as the volume is no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and it's stored in a clear zip-close bag, you can keep it with you in your carry-on luggage.
• There's a good chance you'll need to remove your shoes for scanning, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a clever idea.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp objects in the cabin. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked luggage.