Cheap Flights to El Altet from HK$294

If you're not prepared, air travel can be challenging. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these useful tips for a pleasant start to your getaway in El Altet. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having an amazing travel experience is to pack in advance. Start with the essentials: passport, boarding pass, credit cards and vital medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you entertained, like your laptop or a thrilling novel. It's also a wise idea to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earphones. And of course, don't forget to pop in toiletry items like a toothbrush, lip balm and a clean set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items can differ between air carriers, the general guide to follow is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes knives, scissors, aerosol cans and flares. Sporting equipment like baseball bats, and items that could harm passengers, 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 temperature by layering up, and pick flat, closed-toe footwear like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by lengthy 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.

It's all about being organised. We've compiled some helpful hints for a speedy trip through airport security. Look out El Altet, here you come:

• Be sure to keep your boarding pass and ID within close reach. They're the first things you'll be asked for by airport security.
• Next up, both you and your hand luggage will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that might set the alarms off. Personal belongings such as your coat, belt and headphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few moments, you'll need to unplug from technology. Your tablet, phone and any other electronic gadgets will also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Remove all liquids and gels from your hand luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit in a single quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• It's also possible you'll be required to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a clever idea.
• Knives and other sharp items can't be taken on board. They'll be seized at security, so put them in your checked suitcase.