Cheap Flights to Birmingham from HK$2,189

We've pulled together all the info you need to make your journey as enjoyable as possible. Follow our tips and you'll be hightailing it through the airport and discovering Birmingham before you know it. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane trip can be easy if you carry the right stuff. Firstly, you'll want some basic toiletries, such as deodorant and a toothbrush, a clean set of clothes and a few magazines. Next, find a spot in your carry-on bag for your mobile phone, a charger, your important medications and perhaps a cosy neck pillow too. Lastly, be sure to take your passport, travel papers and some cash.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Leave all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hair gel in your checked baggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) will be confiscated by authorities. Pointed or sharp objects, like your beloved Swiss Army knife, and dangerous goods which are flammable or explosive, such as flares, chemicals agents and gasoline, are also prohibited.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your aim is to feel as comfortable as possible. Choose a pair of slip-on shoes, dress in loose, natural-fibre clothing and don't forget to bring a pullover in case it gets cold in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is 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.

As seasoned travellers know, the secret is to be organised before you get to airport security. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Birmingham in next to no time. Follow these tips and get your holiday off to a great start:

• Airport security personnel first need to see that you have a valid passport and matching travel documents before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them close by, ready for inspection.
• Your belt, jacket, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your earphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• Your electronic gadgets like laptops and phones will also need to go on a tray for inspection. No need to worry though, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Remember to remove gels and liquids from your carry-on bag. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a practical footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when going through security. Big boots and other heavy shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Sharp items such as knives and scissors can't be taken on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them in your checked baggage.