Cheap Flights to Blantyre from HK$272

Wherever you're jetting in from, flying can be an enjoyable experience if you've prepared well enough. We've put together a list of top travel tips that will get your Blantyre holiday started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Travelling on a plane can be a great experience if you pack the right gear. First of all you'll need basic toiletry items, such as toothpaste, a toothbrush and some deodorant, a spare pair of socks and a few magazines. Secondly, make room in your hand luggage for your electronic gadgets, chargers, your medications and maybe a neck pillow as well. Lastly, be sure to take your passport, travel documents and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items can differ between air carriers, the general guide to follow is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, pocket knives, fuels and bleaching agents. Sporting equipment like golf clubs, and items that could harm passengers, such as pepper spray and firearms, won't be allowed on board either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Choose comfort over style. Prepare for changes in temperature by dressing in layers, and pick flat, easy-to-remove footwear like slip-ons.
• Caused by lengthy periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot condition that can affect some passengers during long-distance flights. Lower your risks by staying hydrated, keeping your lower limbs moving and wearing compression socks or tights.

As seasoned travellers know, the secret is to be well organised before you get to the security gate. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Blantyre in no time flat. Follow these helpful tips and get your holiday off to a spectacular start:

• Your travel documents and passport will need to be shown to security personnel. Have them easily accessible so you don't have to dig around for them.
• The X-ray machine comes next. Remove anything on you that is likely to set off the scanner's alarm. This includes items like earphones or headphones, as well as heavy coats or jackets. They'll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• For just a few moments, you'll have to unplug from technology. Your phone, tablet and any other electronic gadgets also need to go through the scanner.
• Any liquids or gels, such as hair oil or hand cream, that you want to bring on board must be no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), zip-lock bag.
• It's also likely that you'll be asked to take your shoes off to be X-rayed, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a smart idea.
• Pocket knives and other sharp items are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so put them in your checked baggage.