Cheap Flights to Lousa from HK$229

If you're not prepared, air travel can be daunting. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these useful tips for a stress-free start to your time in Lousa. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a stress-free flight experience is to pack ahead. First up, the essentials: passport, official ID, bank cards and important medications. Next, take on board items that'll help while away those hours, like some electronic devices or a magazine. It's also smart to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of noise-cancelling headphones. Finally, be sure to chuck in toiletries like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a clean set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items can differ between air carriers, the general guide to follow is avoid carrying anything flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes things like knives, scissors, aerosol cans and bleaching agents. Sporting equipment like baseball bats, and items that could injure passengers, such as swords and guns, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Choose comfort over style. Prepare for changes in temperature by dressing in layers, and pick flat, closed-toe footwear like slip-ons.
• Most of us have heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by long periods of inactivity. To minimize your risk on board, stay hydrated, consider wearing compression tights or socks and keep your legs and feet moving.

The answer is simple — be prepared. We've pulled together some handy tips and tricks for a speedy trip through security. Watch out Lousa, here you come:

• Airport security personnel first need to verify that you have a valid passport and matching boarding pass before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them within easy reach, ready for inspection.
• The X-ray machine comes next. Remove anything metal on you that is likely to beep. This includes things like earphones or headphones, as well as your coat or jacket. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• All your electronic devices, including your phone and laptop, are also required to be separately scanned.
• Remember to remove gels and liquids from your hand luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each item should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit in a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• It's also possible you'll be required to take your shoes off to be X-rayed, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a clever idea.
• Sharp or pointed items are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so pack them safely away in your checked luggage.