Cheap Flights to Berkeley from HK$542

Depending on where you're coming from, your trip to Berkeley could be completely stress-free or it could drag on forever. We've rounded up some handy tips that will help you start your next unforgettable escape on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a stress-free flight experience is to plan ahead. So, let's start with the basics: passport, official ID, credit cards and medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you entertained, like some electronic gadgets or a thrilling book. It's also smart to pack your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. Finally, don't forget to chuck in toiletries like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a clean T-shirt.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Leave all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hairspray in your checked luggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) won't be allowed on. Sharp or pointed objects, like a Swiss Army knife, and products which are flammable or explosive, such as flares, bleaching agents and strong acids, are also banned.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your aim is to feel as comfortable as you can. Pick slip-on footwear, dress in loose, natural-fibre clothing and remember to take a pullover in case it gets chilly in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clotting due to poor circulation and inactivity, 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 handy tips and tricks for a hassle-free trip through security. Watch out Berkeley, here you come:

• First things first. Your passport and travel documents will need to be presented to airport security. Keep them someplace accessible so you don't hold up the line.
• Next up, both you and your hand luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that might trigger the alarms. Items like your belt, coat and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from technology. Your phone, laptop and any other electronic gadgets must also be sent through the scanner.
• Any gels or liquids, such as perfume or toothpaste, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• There's a good chance you'll be asked to remove your shoes for scanning, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a good idea.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp items or pocket knives in your carry-on baggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked luggage.