Cheap Flights to Long Beach from HK$550

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be testing. But there's no need to panic. Follow these helpful hints and enjoy a worry-free start to your getaway in Long Beach. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a hassle-free flight experience is to pack in advance. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, travel documents, cash and daily medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you occupied, like your laptop or a good read. It's also wise to bring your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earphones. Last but not least, be sure to squeeze in toiletries like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a clean set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have sharp objects (like a knife or scissors) hiding in your hand luggage. Other restricted items include explosive or flammable products, such as fuel and matches, and gels and liquids in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• Your priority is to feel as comfortable as possible. Choose shoes that are easy to slip on and off, dress in loose, natural fibers and remember to bring a pullover in case you get chilly in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potential risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clotting due to inactivity and 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 tips and tricks for a fuss-free trip through airport security. Look out Long Beach, here you come:

• First things first. Your passport and travel documents will need to be shown to security personnel. Keep them at hand to avoid fumbling around for them.
• After that, both you and your carry-on bag will be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Items like your belt, coat and headphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few minutes, you'll have to unplug from technology. Your phone, tablet and any other electronic gadgets also need to go through the scanner.
• Any gels or liquids, such as shampoo or hairspray, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several valuable minutes. Hiking or heavy-style boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Lightweight sneakers usually aren't.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, put them in your checked luggage. They won't be allowed on board.