Cheap Flights to Karatas from HK$749

Wherever you're jetting in from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you're well prepared. We've put together a list of handy hints that will get your Karatas holiday started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First things first, pack in your passport, important documents, wallet and vital medications. Next, you'll want some extra in-flight entertainment to while away the hours. A thrilling book and a phone crammed with your favourite shows are always good options. If you hope to take a quick snooze, a neck pillow and some earplugs will also be useful. Finally, find room for a toothbrush and some deodorant so you'll arrive at your destination feeling fresh as a daisy.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items differs between air carriers, the general guide to follow is nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, knives, fuel and fireworks. Sporting equipment like hockey sticks, and items that could harm other people, such as pepper spray and guns, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to choose comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes by donning layers, and wear flat, closed-toe shoes like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-distance flights. It's the result of blood clotting due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

As savvy travellers know, the secret is to be well organised before you arrive at the airport security gate. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Karatas in the blink of an eye. Follow these tips and get your holiday off to a spectacular start:

• First things first. Your boarding pass and travel ID will need to be shown to airport security. Keep them someplace accessible so you don't have to dig around for them.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your coat, belt, keys and other small items, like your earphones, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• For just a few moments, you'll have to unplug from the digital world. Your laptop, phone and any other electronics must also go through the scanner.
• Any gels or liquids, such as perfume or hairspray, that you want to bring on board must be no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several minutes. Boots and bulky shoes are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on sneakers are usually not.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp objects to come on board with you. If you must bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked luggage.