Cheap Flights to Ixtapa from HK$461

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be an enjoyable experience if you're well prepared. We've put together a list of top travel tips that will get your Ixtapa holiday started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane ride can be a pleasure if you take the right gear. Firstly, you'll want some toiletry items, such as lip balm and hand cream, a clean pair of socks and a few magazines. Next, find a spot in your hand luggage for your electronic gadgets, chargers, any daily medications and maybe a proper neck pillow as well. Lastly, be sure to take your passport, travel documents and some cash.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Squeeze all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hair gel in your checked baggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) will be confiscated. Pointed or sharp objects, like your precious pocket knife, and dangerous goods which are explosive or flammable, such as aerosol cans, spray paint and matches, are also not allowed.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your main aim is to be as comfortable as you can. Choose flat, closed-toe shoes, dress in loose, natural-fibre clothing and don't forget to bring a pullover in case you get cold in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by lengthy periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to walk around the cabin or do some gentle exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

The trick is to be well organised before you arrive at the security gate. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Ixtapa in no time at all. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a great start:

• Your boarding pass and passport will need to be presented to security personnel. Keep them at hand so you don't hold up the queue.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your belt, coat, keys and other items in your pocket, like your headphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them before your turn arrives.
• Your electronic gadgets like phones and laptops will also have to go through the machine to be scanned. No need to worry though, you'll be back online in no time.
• Any gels or liquids, such as lip balm or cologne, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several minutes. Boots and bulky shoes are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Lightweight sneakers are usually not.
• Sharp or pointed objects (like knives and scissors) can't be taken on board. They'll be seized at security, so pack them safely away in your checked baggage.