Cheap Flights to Chengmai from HK$880

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you've prepared well. We've made a list of handy tips that will get your Chengmai holiday started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a pain-free flight experience is to pack ahead. Start with the essentials: passport, boarding pass, credit cards and any vital medications. Next, bring items that'll help pass the time, like some electronic gadgets or a magazine. It's also smart to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of headphones. Last but not least, don't forget to toss in toiletries like a toothbrush, lip balm and a fresh set of clothes.

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, blades, aerosol cans and flares. Sporting equipment like hockey sticks, and objects that could harm passengers, such as pepper spray and guns, aren't allowed in the cabin either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your top priority when choosing what to wear during your flight. Loose, breathable clothing is a smart option, as are enclosed shoes like sneakers.
• It's likely you've heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by long periods of inactivity. To lower your risk on board, stay hydrated, consider wearing compression socks or tights and move your lower limbs often.

A little pre-planning before you get to the airport will make your getaway to Chengmai a pleasure. Check out our handy tips and tricks for a stress-free journey past security:

• Have your travel documents and ID handy. They're the first items you'll be asked to show at airport security.
• Next up is the X-ray machine. Remove anything metal on you that is likely to set off the scanner's alarm. This includes items like headphones or earphones, as well as heavy coats or jackets. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your tablet and phone, are also required to be scanned separately.
• Any liquids or gels, such as toothpaste or perfume, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), zip-lock bag.
• It's also possible you'll need to take your shoes off to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a clever idea.
• Airlines won't allow any pocket knives or other sharp items in the cabin. If you need to bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked baggage.