Cheap Flights to Mae Tha from HK$179

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be testing. But there's no need to panic. Follow these handy hints and enjoy a hassle-free start to your getaway in Mae Tha. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having an amazing travel experience is to pack in advance. First up, the essentials: passport, travel documents, bank cards and any vital medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you busy, like your laptop or a juicy novel. You'll also want to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earphones. Finally, don't forget to toss in toiletries like a toothbrush, deodorant and a clean set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have a sharp object hiding in one of the compartments of your hand luggage. Other restricted items include flammable or explosive products, such as aerosol cans and bleach, and liquids and gels in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an aircraft are no place for a fashion parade. Layer up with comfortable clothing and pick shoes that are closed-toe, flat and easy to pull on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clotting due to poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

It's all about being prepared. We've pulled together some handy tips and tricks for a speedy trip through airport security. Look out Mae Tha, here you come:

• Security personnel first need to see that you have a valid ID and travel documents before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them within easy reach, ready for inspection.
• Your jacket, 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 before your turn.
• For just a few moments, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, laptop and any other electronic gadgets will need to be sent through the scanner.
• Travelling with a new cologne? Not a problem. As long as the volume is no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and it's stored in a zip-close bag, you can keep it with you on board.
• There's a chance you'll need to take your shoes off to be X-rayed, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a good idea.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, pack them safely away in your checked baggage. They won't be allowed in the cabin.