Cheap Flights to Durham from HK$1,078

If you're not prepared, travelling can be tough. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these helpful hints for a hassle-free start to your getaway in Durham. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Air travel can be a comfortable experience if you carry the right things. Firstly, you'll want a few toiletry items, such as toothpaste, a toothbrush and some deodorant, a spare pair of socks and a good book. Secondly, make room in your carry-on bag for your mobile phone, a charger, any vital medications and maybe a proper neck pillow too. Lastly, remember to bring your passport, travel documents and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Put all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hairspray in your checked baggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) will be confiscated by security. Sharp objects, like your trusty Swiss Army knife, and dangerous products which are explosive or flammable, such as aerosols and fuels, are also not allowed.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your goal here is to be as comfortable as you can. Opt for shoes that are easy to slip on and off, dress in loose, natural-fibre clothing and remember to bring a sweater in case it gets cold in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Walk around the cabin and give your legs a stretch or do some simple exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

Being organised before your flight will help make your getaway to Durham a piece of cake. Check out our handy tips for a speedy journey through security:

• Your passport and boarding pass will need to be shown to airport security personnel. Keep them someplace accessible so you don't hold up the line.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your belt, jacket, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your earphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them before your turn arrives.
• Your electronic devices like phones and laptops will also have to go through the machine to be scanned. Don't worry though, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Remove gels and liquids from your carry-on bag. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each item should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit in a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several valuable minutes. Boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on shoes usually aren't.
• Airlines won't allow any pocket knives or other sharp items to come on board with you. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked luggage.