Cheap Flights to Budapest from HK$235

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be a real challenge. But there's no need to worry. Follow these handy hints and enjoy a trouble-free start to your time in Budapest. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First and foremost, put in your passport, travel documents, wallet and medications. Next, you'll want some extra in-flight entertainment to while away the time. A juicy book and a laptop filled with your favourite movies are good options. If you plan to take a short snooze, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of noise-cancelling headphones will also come in handy. Finally, make room for a toothbrush and some deodorant to ensure you hop off the plane feeling fresh as a daisy.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have a sharp object hiding in the bottom of your hand luggage. Other banned items include explosive or flammable products, such as fuel and fireworks, and liquids and gels in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an aircraft aren't the place for a fashion parade. Dress in comfortable layers and choose shoes that are flat, roomy and easy to take on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-distance flights. It's the result of blood clots forming due to poor circulation, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

The secret is to be organised before you reach security. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Budapest in no time flat. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a terrific start:

• Airport security personnel first need to make sure that you have a valid ID and travel documents before anything else. Keep them close by.
• Next up is the X-ray machine. Empty your pockets and remove anything that is likely to set off the alarm. This includes items like headphones or earphones, as well as heavy coats or jackets. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• All electronic devices, including your phone and laptop, are also required to be separately scanned.
• Remove gels and liquids from your carry-on bag. They often need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit inside a single quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several valuable minutes. Boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on shoes usually aren't.
• 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 suitcase. They won't be allowed on board and will be confiscated.