Cheap Flights to Ballarat from HK$1,401

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be an enjoyable experience if you've prepared well. We've made a list of handy hints that will get your Ballarat escape started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First of all, pack your passport, travel documents, bank cards and medications. Next, you'll need some entertainment to while away the hours. A juicy novel and a laptop crammed with your favourite movies are some great options. If you hope to catch a few z's, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of earplugs will also be useful. Finally, squeeze in a toothbrush and some facial wipes to ensure you touchdown feeling fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have a Swiss Army knife hiding in one of the compartments of your hand luggage. Other restricted items include flammable or explosive products, such as bleach and fuel, and gels and liquids in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your priority when deciding what to wear on your flight. Loose clothing is a wise option, as are flat, closed-toe shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-distance flights. It results from blood clotting due to poor circulation, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

Being organised before you arrive at the airport can make your getaway to Ballarat a piece of cake. We've rounded up some top tips for a speedy journey through security:

• Your ID and travel documents will need to be presented to airport security. Keep them within easy reach to avoid fumbling around for them.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your belt, jacket, keys and other small items, like your headphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• Your electronic devices like laptops and phones will also need to go on a tray for inspection. Don't worry, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Remove all liquids and gels from your carry-on luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each item should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit inside a single quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• It's also likely that you'll be required to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a clever idea.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, pack them safely away in your checked luggage. They won't be allowed on board and will be confiscated.