Cheap Flights to Waterloo from HK$4,697

If you're not prepared, air travel can be challenging. But there's no need to panic. Follow these handy tips and enjoy a pleasant start to your time in Waterloo.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First and foremost, put in your passport, travel documents, wallet and vital medications. Next, you'll need some extra in-flight entertainment to while away the hours. A thrilling book and a phone crammed with your favorite shows are some great options. If you intend to take a quick snooze, a comfy neck pillow and some earplugs will also be useful. Finally, leave space for a toothbrush and some facial wipes to ensure you arrive looking fresh and ready 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 avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes things like box cutters, razor blades, spray paint and flares. Sports equipment like golf clubs, and items that could harm other people, such as firearms and ammunition, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of your aircraft are no place for a fashion parade. Layer yourself up with comfortable clothes and remember to bring a cardigan as it can get quite cool inside the cabin on long-haul flights. Flat, slightly roomy shoes are always a good choice too.
• A condition by the name of DVT (deep vein thrombosis) can pose a risk on long-distance flights. It's the result of blood clotting due to poor circulation and inactivity. Walking up and down the aisle and doing leg and foot exercises in your seat is a great way to prevent this occurring. Wearing a good-quality pair of compression socks or tights is also recommended.

A little pre-planning before you arrive at the airport can make your getaway to Waterloo quick and painless. We've rounded up some useful tips and tricks for a speedy journey through security:

• Have your boarding pass and ID within easy reach. They're the first items you'll be asked to show at airport security.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your belt, jacket, keys and other items in your pocket, like your headphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from technology. Your phone, laptop and any other electronics must also go through the scanner.
• Remove liquids and gels from your hand luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each product should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a great footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when going through security. Safety boots and heavier-style shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp objects to come on board with you. If you must bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked baggage.