Cheap Flights to Ashford from HK$1,071

Wherever you're jetting in from, flying can be an enjoyable experience if you've prepared well enough. We've put together a list of handy tips that will help get your Ashford escape started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a hassle-free flight experience is to plan ahead. Start with the essentials: passport, boarding pass, bank cards and any vital medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you busy, like some electronic gadgets or a thrilling book. It's also wise to bring your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. Finally, don't forget to pop in toiletry items like a toothbrush, deodorant and a spare change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Leave all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hair gel in your checked baggage. Any liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) will be confiscated. Pointed or sharp objects, like your treasured Swiss Army knife, and dangerous goods which are explosive or flammable, such as aerosol cans, flares and strong acids, are also not allowed.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your top priority when choosing what to wear during your flight. Loose clothing is a smart option, as are flat, enclosed shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by lengthy periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Wander around the cabin and stretch your legs or do some simple exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

It's all about being organised. We've pulled together some handy tips and tricks for a stress-free trip through security. Look out Ashford, here you come:

• Security personnel first need to see that you have a valid passport and matching travel documents before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them in your hand, ready for inspection.
• Next up is the X-ray machine. Remove anything on you that is likely to set off the scanner's alarm. This includes items like earphones or headphones, as well as bulky coats or jackets. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your phone and tablet, are also required to be separately scanned.
• Any gels or liquids, such as lip balm or cologne, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several precious minutes. Boots and heavy shoes are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on sneakers usually aren't.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp objects in the cabin. If you must bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked luggage.