Cheap Flights to Alston from HK$286

Wherever you're jetting in from, flying can be a pleasurable experience if you're prepared. We've put together a list of handy tips that will get your Alston holiday started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Air travel can be easy if you pack the right gear. Firstly, you'll want some basic toiletries, such as a toothbrush and lip balm, a spare change of clothes and a magazine or two. Secondly, find room in your hand luggage for your mobile phone, a charger, any vital medications and maybe a comfy neck pillow as well. Lastly, and most importantly, be sure to take your passport, travel docs and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have sharp objects (like a knife or scissors) hiding in the bottom of your carry-on luggage. Other banned items include explosive or flammable goods, like aerosols and matches, and gels and liquids in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of a plane aren't the place for a fashion parade. Layer your clothing and choose shoes that are flat, roomy and easy to slip on and off.
• It's likely you've heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by long periods of sitting. To lessen your risk on board, stay hydrated, consider wearing compression tights or socks and keep your legs and feet moving.

The secret is to be well prepared before you get to security. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Alston in no time flat. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a terrific start:

• Keep your boarding pass and ID someplace easily accessible. They'll be the first things you'll be asked to show at security.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your coat, belt, keys and other small items, like your headphones, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them as your turn draws near.
• Electronic devices like laptops and phones will also have to go on a tray for inspection. Don't worry, you'll be back online in no time.
• Remove all gels and liquids from your carry-on luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit inside a single quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a sensible footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when passing through security. Safety boots and other bulky shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Sharp or pointed items are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so pack them in your checked baggage.