Cheap Flights to Cotai from HK$501

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be testing. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these useful tips and enjoy a trouble-free start to your time in Cotai. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having an amazing flight experience is to plan ahead. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, travel docs, bank cards and important medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you busy, like some electronic gadgets or a good read. It's also wise to bring your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of earphones. Finally, don't forget to chuck in toiletry items like a toothbrush, lip balm and a spare change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items differs between air carriers, the general guide to follow is avoid carrying anything flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes things like screwdrivers, blades, aerosol cans and flares. Sporting equipment like golf clubs, and objects that could harm passengers, such as guns and swords, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of a plane are no place for a fashion parade. Layer your clothing and go for shoes that are flat and easy to take on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by extended periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Make a point of walking around the cabin or do some gentle exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

Being prepared before you get to the airport will help make your getaway to Cotai a pleasure. Below you'll find some useful tips and tricks for a swift journey through security:

• Keep your passport and travel documents easily accessible. They're the first things you'll be asked to present to security.
• Next up, both you and your hand luggage will be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that might set the alarms off. Personal belongings such as your belt, jacket and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, laptop and any other electronics also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Any gels or liquids, such as perfume or toothpaste, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• It's also likely that you'll need to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a good idea.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp or pointed objects in the cabin. If you must bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked luggage.