Cheap Flights to Alford from HK$5,397

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be a seamless experience if you've prepared well enough. Check out these handy hints that will help get your Alford holiday started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a pain-free flight experience is to pack ahead. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, travel docs, credit cards and important medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help pass the time, like some electronic gadgets or a juicy novel. It's also a wise idea to pack your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of earphones. Last but not least, don't forget to pop in toiletries like a toothbrush, lip balm and a clean set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have a pocket knife hiding in one of the compartments of your hand luggage. Other banned items include flammable or explosive goods, such as aerosol cans and fuel, and liquids and gels in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• Choose comfort over style. Prepare for changes in temperature by dressing in layers, and opt for flat, closed-toe shoes like sneakers.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-haul 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.

Being prepared before your flight can make your trip to Alford a breeze. Here are some top tips for a speedy journey through security:

• Your boarding pass and travel ID will need to be inspected by airport security personnel. Keep them at hand so you don't hold up the queue.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your belt, coat, keys and other small items, like coins, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them as your turn draws near.
• For just a few moments, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, laptop and any other electronic devices also need to go through the scanner.
• Any gels or liquids, such as shampoo or hand cream, that you want to take on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several precious minutes. Hiking or heavy-style boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Lightweight sneakers are usually not.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp or pointed objects in your hand luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked baggage.