Cheap Flights to Fort Mill from HK$690

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be an enjoyable experience if you've planned ahead. Check out these essential travel tips that will get your Fort Mill holiday started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a stress-free travel experience is to plan ahead. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, travel docs, credit cards and any vital medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you occupied, like some electronic gadgets or a few magazines. It's also a wise idea to bring your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of noise-cancelling headphones. Finally, don't forget to chuck in toiletry items like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a fresh change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have a Swiss Army knife hiding in the bottom of your hand luggage. Other banned items include explosive or flammable goods, such as aerosol cans and bleach, and liquids and gels in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to go for comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes in the cabin by donning layers, and opt for flat, closed-toe footwear like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-distance flights. It results from blood clots forming due to inactivity and poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

As seasoned travellers know, the secret is to be organised before you reach the airport security gate. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Fort Mill in no time at all. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a flying start:

• Security personnel first need to establish that you have a valid passport and boarding pass before anything else. Have them close by, ready for inspection.
• The X-ray machine is up next. Remove anything on you that is likely to set off the alarm. This includes items like earphones or headphones, as well as bulky coats or jackets. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• For just a few moments, you'll need to unplug from technology. Your phone, tablet and any other electronic gadgets must also go through the scanner.
• Remove liquids and gels from your carry-on bag. They often 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 in a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a great footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when passing through security. Hiking boots and heavier-style shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Sharp items can't be taken on board. They'll be seized at security, so put them in your checked luggage.