Cheap Flights to El Paso from HK$5,070

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be a seamless experience if you've planned ahead. Follow these essential travel tips that will help get your El Paso holiday started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First, pack in your passport, travel documents, cash and medications. Next, you'll need some extra in-flight entertainment to while away the hours. A juicy novel and a laptop crammed with your favourite movies are some great options. If you intend to catch more than just forty winks, a quality neck pillow and a pair of noise-cancelling headphones will also come in handy. Finally, squeeze in a toothbrush and some deodorant so you'll step off the plane feeling fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items can differ between air carriers, the general rule of thumb is nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes things like screwdrivers, blades, spray paint and fireworks. Sporting equipment like hockey sticks, and objects that could harm passengers, such as firearms and ammunition, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• Choose comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes by layering up, and wear flat, slightly roomy footwear like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Make a point of walking around the cabin or do some simple exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

The answer is — be prepared. We've pulled together some top tips for a fuss-free trip through security. Watch out El Paso, here you come:

• Airport security personnel first need to know that you have a valid passport and matching boarding pass before you can proceed any further. Have them in your hand, ready for inspection.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your belt, coat, keys and other items in your pocket, like your earphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them before your turn arrives.
• For just a few moments, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, tablet and any other electronic devices must also be sent through the scanner.
• Any gels or liquids, such as hair oil or hand cream, that you want to take on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several precious minutes. Boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on sneakers usually aren't.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp objects in your hand luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked baggage.