Cheap Flights to Austin from HK$5,000

Depending on where you're coming from, your flight to Austin could be as easy as pie or it could drag on forever. We've pulled together some useful tips that will help you start your next unforgettable escape on a positive note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a hassle-free travel experience is to pack in advance. First up, the essentials: passport, travel docs, credit cards and medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you busy, like some electronic devices or a magazine. It's also a wise idea to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earphones. Last but not least, don't forget to toss in toiletry items like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a fresh change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items can differ between airlines, the general guide to follow is nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes things like screwdrivers, blades, spray paint and flares. Sports equipment like baseball bats, and items that could injure passengers, such as swords and batons, aren't allowed in the cabin either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your aim is to be as comfortable as possible. Pick a pair of slip-on shoes, dress in loose, natural-fibre clothing and remember to bring a jacket in case you get chilly in the cabin.
• You've probably heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by long periods of sitting. To minimize your risk on board, drink lots of water, consider wearing compression socks or tights and move your legs and feet often.

It's simple — be prepared. We've put together some helpful hints for a fuss-free trip through airport security. Watch out Austin, here you come:

• Be sure to have your boarding pass and passport someplace easily accessible. They'll be the first things you'll be asked to show at 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 might set the alarms off. Personal belongings like your coat, belt and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• All your electronics, including your laptop and phone, are also required to be separately scanned.
• Any gels or liquids, such as hair oil 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-close bag.
• It's also possible you'll need to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a clever idea.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, put them in your checked suitcase. They won't be allowed on board and will be confiscated.