Cheap Flights to Waiheke Island from HK$1,285

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be a pleasurable experience if you've prepared well enough. Check out these handy tips that will get your Waiheke Island escape started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Travelling on a plane can be a great experience if you've got all the right things. First things first, you'll need toiletry items, such as deodorant, toothpaste and a toothbrush, a fresh set of clothes and a good read. Secondly, find a spot in your hand luggage for your phone and charger, any daily medications and perhaps a comfy neck pillow too. Last, but definitely not least, be sure to take your passport, travel docs and some money.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have sharp objects (like a knife or scissors) hiding in your hand luggage. Other restricted items include explosive or flammable products, such as aerosol cans and bleach, and gels and liquids in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• Your main aim is to feel as comfortable as possible. Pick a pair of slip-on shoes, dress in loose, natural fibers and don't forget to take a sweater in case you get chilly in the cabin.
• Caused by sustained periods of immobility, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect some passengers on long-haul flights. Reduce the risks by drinking water, keeping your ankles and legs moving and wearing compression socks to help your circulation.

The answer is simple — be prepared. We've compiled some top tips for a hassle-free trip through airport security. Watch out Waiheke Island, here you come:

• Keep your boarding pass and ID easily accessible. They're the first items you'll be asked to present to airport security.
• After that, both you and your carry-on bag will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that might trigger the alarms. Personal belongings like your jacket, belt and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• All your electronic devices, including your phone and tablet, will also need to be scanned separately.
• Don't forget to remove gels and liquids from your carry-on bag. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit in a single quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you valuable minutes. Boots and bulky shoes are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on sneakers usually aren't.
• Sharp items like knives are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so pack them in your checked baggage.