Cheap Flights to Irlam from HK$306

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be an enjoyable experience if you're well prepared. Follow these handy tips and tricks that will help get your Irlam escape started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First and foremost, put in your passport, important documents, cash and medications. Next, you'll need some in-flight entertainment to while away the time. A juicy novel and a tablet crammed with your favourite movies are some fantastic options. If you hope to catch a few z's, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of earplugs will also come in handy. Finally, leave space for a few toiletry items so you'll arrive at your destination feeling fresh as a daisy.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Squeeze all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner in your checked baggage. Any liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) will be confiscated by authorities. Sharp objects, like a Swiss Army knife, and dangerous goods which are flammable or explosive, such as flares, bleaching agents and poisons, are also prohibited.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your top priority when choosing what to wear on board. Loose, breathable clothing is a sensible choice, as are flat, slip-on shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clots forming due to poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

The answer is simple — be organised. We've rounded up some helpful hints for a stress-free trip through security. Look out Irlam, here you come:

• Security personnel first need to check that you have a valid passport and matching boarding pass before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them within easy reach, ready for inspection.
• Next up, 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 such as your belt, jacket and earphones need to go through the machine.
• All electronic gadgets, including your phone and tablet, must also be scanned.
• Remove gels and liquids from your hand luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• It's also possible you'll be required to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a wise idea.
• Pocket knives and other sharp items are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so pack them safely away in your checked baggage.