Cheap Flights to Baird from HK$498

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

• First, pack your passport, travel docs, bank cards and medications. Next, you'll want some entertainment to while away the hours. A juicy book and a tablet crammed with your favourite movies are some great options. If you plan to catch a few z's, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earplugs will also be useful. Finally, make room for a toothbrush and some cleansing wipes to ensure you arrive at your destination feeling fresh as a daisy.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items can differ between air carriers, the general rule to follow is avoid carrying anything flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, blades, aerosol cans and flares. Sports equipment like golf clubs, and items that could harm other people, such as pepper spray and firearms, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• Go for comfort over style. Prepare for changes in cabin temperature by donning layers, and pick closed-toe, flat shoes like sneakers.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-distance flights. It results from blood clotting due to inactivity and poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

The answer is simple — be prepared. We've rounded up some top tips for a hassle-free trip through airport security. Look out Baird, here you come:

• Your boarding pass and passport will need to be shown to airport security. Keep them within easy reach so you don't hold up the queue.
• Next up is the X-ray machine. Remove anything on you that is likely to set off the alarm. This includes things like headphones or earphones, as well as bulky coats or jackets. They'll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your tablet and phone, must also be scanned separately.
• Any liquids or gels, such as hair oil or hand cream, that you want to take on board must be no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a good footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when passing through security. Safety boots and other heavy-style shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp or pointed objects in your carry-on baggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, check them in.