Cheap Flights to Cortez from HK$1,286

Wherever you're jetting in from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you're well prepared. Take a peek at these handy hints that will help get your Cortez escape started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• It's easy — first, pack in your passport, travel docs, cash and daily medications. Next, you'll need some extra in-flight entertainment to while away the hours. A juicy book and a phone filled with your favourite movies are some wonderful options. If you plan to catch up on some sleep, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of earplugs will also be useful. Finally, leave space for a toothbrush and some facial wipes to ensure you step off the plane feeling fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have sharp objects (like a pocket knife) lurking in one of the zippers of your hand luggage. Other restricted items include flammable or explosive products, such as fuel and fireworks, and liquids and gels in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your main concern when choosing what to wear during your flight. Loose clothing is a smart option, as are roomy, closed-toe shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-distance flights. It's the result of blood clotting due to poor circulation, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

A little pre-planning before you get to the airport can make your getaway to Cortez quick and painless. We've rounded up some top tips for a speedy journey through security:

• Keep your travel documents and ID at hand. They'll be the first things you'll be asked for by airport security.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your belt, jacket, keys and other small items, like your headphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them before your turn arrives.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your laptop, phone and any other electronic gadgets must also go through the scanner.
• Any gels or liquids, such as hair oil or hand cream, that you want to bring on board must be no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a great footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when going through security. Safety boots and other heavy-style shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, put them in your checked baggage. They won't be allowed in the cabin.