Cheap Flights to Alameda from HK$1,548

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you prepare well enough. We've made a list of handy hints that will get your Alameda holiday started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Flying can be a pleasure if you take the right stuff. First of all you'll need basic toiletry items, such as a toothbrush and some deodorant, a spare pair of socks and a magazine or two. Secondly, make room in your hand luggage for your mobile phone, a charger, your medications and perhaps a comfy neck pillow too. Lastly, and most importantly, be sure to bring your passport, travel documents and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items can differ between air carriers, the general rule of thumb is nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, pocket knives, fireworks and fuel. Sporting equipment like ski poles, and objects that could injure passengers, such as swords and guns, won't be allowed on board either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your main priority is to be as comfortable as you can. Go for flat, closed-toe shoes, dress in loose, breathable clothing and don't forget to take a pullover in case you get chilly in the cabin.
• Most travellers have heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by long periods of sitting. To lower your risk on board, drink plenty of water, consider wearing compression tights or socks and keep your legs and feet moving.

The answer is — be prepared. We've pulled together some handy tips and tricks for a fuss-free trip through airport security. Watch out Alameda, here you come:

• First things first. Your travel documents and passport will need to be shown to airport security. Keep them someplace accessible to avoid fumbling around for them.
• After that, both you and your carry-on bag must be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Items such as your jacket, belt and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• All your electronic devices, including your tablet and phone, are also required to be separately scanned.
• Any liquids or gels, such as shampoo or hairspray, that you want to bring on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), zip-lock bag.
• It's also likely that you'll be asked to take your shoes off to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a clever idea.
• Airlines will not allow any pocket knives or other sharp items in your carry-on luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked luggage.