Cheap Flights to Decatur from HK$2,297

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be challenging. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these tips and tricks for a comfortable start to your time in Decatur. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having an amazing flight experience is to pack ahead. Start with the essentials: passport, travel documents, cash and important medications. Next, take on board items that'll help keep you busy, like some electronic devices or a magazine. You'll also want to pack your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of earphones. Finally, be sure to pop in toiletries like a toothbrush, lip balm and a clean T-shirt.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items differs between air carriers, the general rule to follow is nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, knives, fireworks and fuel. Sports equipment like bows and arrows, and objects that could harm other people, such as firearms and ammunition, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to choose comfort over style. Prepare for changes in cabin temperature by donning layers, and opt for flat, closed-toe shoes like sneakers.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-distance flights. It's the result of blood clots forming due to inactivity and poor circulation, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

It's all about being prepared. We've compiled some useful tips for a speedy trip through security. Watch out Decatur, here you come:

• Airport security personnel first need to see that you have a valid ID and matching travel documents before you can proceed any further. Keep them close by.
• After that, both you and your carry-on bag must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that might set the alarms off. Items such as your belt, jacket and earphones need to go through the machine.
• All electronic gadgets, including your phone and laptop, are also required to be separately scanned.
• Any liquids or gels, such as shampoo or hand cream, 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.
• Slip-on shoes are a clever footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when passing through security. Boots and other bulky shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Pocket knives and other sharp items are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so put them in your checked bags.