Cheap Flights to Leh from HK$649

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

• The trick to having a hassle-free travel experience is to plan ahead. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, travel docs, credit cards and daily medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you busy, like some electronic gadgets or a juicy novel. It's also smart to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of headphones. Last but not least, be sure to chuck in toiletry items like a toothbrush, lip balm and a clean T-shirt.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have a Swiss Army knife hiding in one of the compartments of your carry-on luggage. Other restricted items include flammable or explosive products, such as fuel and matches, and gels and liquids in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your main priority when choosing what to wear on your flight. Loose, breathable clothing is a sensible option, as are enclosed shoes like sneakers.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clotting due to poor circulation, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

The trick is to be prepared before you get to the security gate. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Leh in next to no time. Follow these helpful tips and get your holiday off to a flying start:

• First things first. Your passport and travel documents will need to be inspected by airport security. Keep them handy so you don't hold up the line.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on luggage must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that might trigger the alarms. Items such as your coat, belt and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• Your electronic gadgets like laptops and phones will also have to go through the machine for inspection. No need to worry though, you'll be back online in no time.
• Any liquids or gels, such as perfume or hairspray, that you want to take 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.
• There's a chance you'll be required to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a wise idea.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp items or pocket knives in your hand luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked luggage.