Cheap Flights to Chinchilla from HK$497

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be tough. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these tips and tricks and enjoy a pleasant start to your getaway in Chinchilla. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having an awesome flight experience is to plan ahead. Start with the essentials: passport, official ID, cash and any vital medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you entertained, like your laptop or a magazine. It's also wise to bring your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. Last but not least, be sure to squeeze in toiletries like a toothbrush, deodorant and a clean T-shirt.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Squeeze all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hair gel in your checked baggage. Any liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) won't be allowed on. Sharp objects, like a Swiss Army knife, and products which are explosive or flammable, such as flares, chemicals agents and gasoline, are also prohibited.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of a plane are no place for a fashion parade. Wear layers and go for shoes that are enclosed, flat and easy to slip on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-distance 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 socks.

The answer is — be prepared. We've compiled some top tips for an easy trip through airport security. Watch out Chinchilla, here you come:

• Airport security personnel first need to establish that you have a valid passport and matching boarding pass before you're allowed to proceed any further. Keep them within easy reach.
• Next up, both you and your hand luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that might set the alarms off. Items such as your coat, belt and earphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your laptop, phone and any other electronic gadgets also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Travelling with a new cologne or perfume? As long as the volume is no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and it's stored in a clear zip-lock bag, you're allowed to bring it with you on board.
• Slip-on shoes are a great footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when passing through security. Hiking boots and other heavy shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, pack them safely away in your checked luggage. They won't be allowed on board and will be confiscated.