Cheap Flights to Banff from HK$336

Wherever you're jetting in from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you're well prepared. Take a peek at these top travel tips that will get your Banff holiday started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a pain-free travel experience is to plan ahead. So, let's start with the basics: passport, travel documents, cash and vital medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you busy, like some electronic gadgets or a good book. It's also wise to bring your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of earphones. And of course, be sure to pop in toiletry items like a toothbrush, lip balm and a clean set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items can differ between air carriers, the general rule of thumb is nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes box cutters, razor blades, spray paint and flares. Sporting equipment like golf clubs, and items that could harm other people, such as pepper spray and firearms, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Choose comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes by donning layers, and opt for flat, enclosed footwear like sneakers.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clots forming due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

A little pre-planning before your flight will make your getaway to Banff a breeze. Below are some handy hints for a swift journey past security:

• First things first. Your boarding pass and travel ID will need to be shown to airport security personnel. Keep them at hand so you don't hold up the line.
• Next up, both you and your hand luggage will be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Personal belongings like your belt, coat and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• Your electronic gadgets like laptops and phones will also have to go on a tray for inspection. Don't worry, you'll be back online in no time.
• Any gels or liquids, such as shampoo or hairspray, that you want to take on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), zip-lock bag.
• There's a possibility that you'll need to take your shoes off to be X-rayed, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a clever idea.
• Sharp or pointed objects (like knives and scissors) are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so put them in your checked suitcase.