Cheap Flights to Ashford from HK$272

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you prepare well enough. Check out these top travel tips that will get your Ashford escape started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Firstly, and most importantly, put in your passport, travel docs, cash and daily medications. Next, you'll want some entertainment to help pass the time. A juicy novel and a phone crammed with your favourite movies are some great options. If you intend to catch a few z's, a comfy neck pillow and some noise-cancelling headphones will also come in handy. Finally, find room for a few toiletry items to ensure you arrive at your destination feeling fresh as a daisy.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have a sharp object hiding in one of the zippers of your carry-on luggage. Other banned items include flammable or explosive substances, like aerosols and matches, and gels and liquids in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• Your main priority is to be as comfortable as you can. Pick flat, closed-toe shoes, dress in loose, natural fibers and remember to bring a jacket in case it gets cold in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to wander around the cabin or do some simple exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

The trick is to be well prepared before you arrive at security. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Ashford in no time at all. Follow these tips and get your holiday off to a terrific start:

• Have your ID and boarding pass within close reach. They'll be the first things you'll be asked for by airport security.
• After that, both you and your carry-on luggage must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Personal belongings like your belt, coat and headphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few moments, you'll have to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, tablet and any other electronics also need to go through the scanner.
• Travelling with your favourite hand and nail cream? As long as the volume is no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and it's stored in a zip-close bag, it's OK to bring with you in your carry-on baggage.
• There's a possibility that you'll be asked to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a smart idea.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp objects in your hand luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked baggage.