Cheap Flights to Thekkady from HK$540

Wherever you're jetting in from, flying can be a seamless experience if you've prepared well. Check out these essential travel tips that will help get your Thekkady holiday started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane ride can be a pleasure if you bring the right stuff. First of all you'll need toiletry items, such as deodorant and a toothbrush, a clean set of clothes and a magazine or two. Secondly, make room in your hand luggage for your mobile phone, a charger, your medications and maybe a comfy neck pillow too. Lastly, be sure to bring your passport, travel documents and some cash.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have sharp or pointed objects lurking in one of the zippers of your hand luggage. Other restricted items include explosive or flammable substances, like aerosols and matches, and gels and liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an aircraft are no place for a fashion parade. Layer your clothing and go for shoes that are roomy, flat and easy to slip on and off.
• Caused by sustained periods of immobility, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect some passengers during long flights. Lower your risks by drinking water, keeping your legs and feet moving and wearing compression tights or socks.

As seasoned travellers know, the secret is to be well organised before you arrive at the security gate. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Thekkady before you know it. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a fantastic start:

• First things first. Your passport and travel documents will need to be shown to security personnel. Have them close by so you don't have to dig around for them.
• After that, both you and your carry-on luggage must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Items like your jacket, belt and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your phone and laptop, will also need to be scanned separately.
• Don't forget to remove gels and liquids from your hand luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each item should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit inside a single quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• There's a chance you'll be asked to remove your shoes for scanning, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a good idea.
• Airlines won't allow any pocket knives or other sharp items to come on board with you. If you need to bring these kinds of items, check them in.