Cheap Flights to Desert Hot Springs from HK$1,243

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you've prepared well. Check out these handy tips and tricks that will help get your Desert Hot Springs escape started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having an awesome flight experience is to plan ahead. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, travel docs, cash and important medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help pass the time, like some electronic gadgets or a few magazines. It's also wise to bring your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of noise-cancelling headphones. And of course, be sure to toss in toiletry items like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a fresh set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Pack all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hair gel in your checked luggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) will be confiscated. Pointed or sharp objects, like your trusty pocket knife, and products which are explosive or flammable, such as flares, chemicals agents and gasoline, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your main priority when deciding what to wear on board. Loose, breathable clothing is a sensible choice, as are roomy, closed-toe shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clots forming due to poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

Being organised before you get to the airport will help make your trip to Desert Hot Springs a pleasure. We've rounded up some handy hints for a speedy journey past security:

• Have your ID and boarding pass at hand. They'll be the first things you'll be asked to show at airport security.
• After that, both you and your carry-on bag must be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Items like your coat, belt and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• Electronic devices like phones and laptops will also have to go through the machine for inspection. No need to worry though, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Any liquids or gels, such as shampoo or hairspray, 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.
• There's a good chance you'll need to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a smart idea.
• Take all prohibited items out of 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.