Cheap Flights to Lakefield from HK$1,240

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be a pleasurable experience if you're well prepared. We've compiled a list of essential travel tips that will get your Lakefield holiday started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a pain-free flight experience is to pack ahead. Start with the essentials: passport, travel documents, credit cards and any vital medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you entertained, like some electronic gadgets or a juicy novel. It's also a wise idea to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earphones. Last but not least, be sure to toss in toiletries like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a spare set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items differs between airlines, the general rule of thumb is nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes things like screwdrivers, drills, fireworks and fuel. Sports equipment like ice skates, and objects that could harm other people, such as swords and guns, aren't allowed in the cabin either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Choose comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes by wearing layers, and wear flat, enclosed shoes like sneakers.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potential risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clots forming due to poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

The answer is — be prepared. We've pulled together some helpful hints for a fuss-free trip through airport security. Watch out Lakefield, here you come:

• Airport security personnel first need to establish that you have a valid ID and matching boarding pass before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them close by, ready for inspection.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your coat, belt, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your headphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them before your turn.
• Electronic devices like phones and laptops will also have to go through the machine for inspection. Don't worry though, you'll be back online in no time.
• Any liquids or gels, such as hair oil or hand cream, that you want to take on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several precious minutes. Hiking or heavy-style boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Lightweight sneakers are usually not.
• Airlines won't allow any pocket knives or other sharp items to come on board with you. If you need to bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked baggage.