Cheap Flights to Austral from HK$2,498

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be an enjoyable experience if you've prepared well enough. Take a peek at these essential travel tips that will help get your Austral escape started on the right foot.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having an awesome flight experience is to pack in advance. First up, the essentials: passport, travel docs, cash and vital medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you occupied, like some electronic gadgets or a thrilling novel. It's also wise to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. And of course, don't forget to chuck in toiletry items like a toothbrush, lip balm and a fresh change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have sharp or pointed objects hiding in the bottom of your carry-on luggage. Other banned items include flammable or explosive products, such as bleach and fuel, and liquids and gels in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• The best way to ensure a comfortable flight can be as simple as your choice of clothing. Prepare for changes in temperature by layering up. This will keep you nice and warm if the cabin starts to cool down. Shoes like sandals and heels are best left in your suitcase. Even though they may be your favorites, go for flat, closed-toed footwear like slip-ons. Your feet will thank you later.
• Caused by sustained periods of inactivity, DVT (deep vein thrombosis) is a blood clotting condition that can affect some passengers on long-haul flights. But the great news is there are ways to significantly reduce your risk of developing it. Keep your fluids up, wander around the cabin wherever possible and wear compression socks or tights.

The answer is simple — be prepared. We've put together some helpful hints for a hassle-free trip through security. Look out Austral, here you come:

• First things first. Your travel ID and boarding pass will need to be inspected by security personnel. Keep them at hand so you don't have to dig around for them.
• Your jacket, belt, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your headphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them before your turn.
• All your electronics, including your tablet and phone, are also required to be scanned separately.
• Traveling with your favorite perfume or cologne? Not a problem. As long as it's in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a zip-close bag, you can bring it with you in your carry-on.
• Slip-on shoes are a sensible footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when passing through security. Boots and other heavy-style shoes are usually subjected to extra screening.
• Sharp items like knives can't be taken on board. They'll be seized at security, so put them in your checked luggage.