Cheap Flights to Maitland from HK$990

If you're poorly prepared, travelling can be testing. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these useful tips for a comfortable start to your time in Maitland. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a hassle-free flight experience is to pack ahead. So, let's start with the basics: passport, boarding pass, cash and medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you entertained, like some electronic devices or a thrilling book. It's also wise to bring your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of headphones. And of course, be sure to pop in toiletry items like a toothbrush, lip balm and a clean set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have a Swiss Army knife lurking in your hand luggage. Other prohibited items include explosive or flammable goods, 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 aim is to feel as comfortable as possible. Go for a pair of flat, closed-toe shoes, dress in loose, natural-fibre clothing and remember to bring a pullover in case it gets chilly in the cabin.
• Most travellers have heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged periods of sitting. To reduce your risk on board, stay hydrated, consider wearing compression socks or tights and keep your legs and feet moving.

It's simple — be prepared. We've put together some top tips for an easy trip through airport security. Watch out Maitland, here you come:

• Have your ID and travel documents within easy reach. They'll be the first things you'll be asked to present to security.
• After that, both you and your carry-on bag will be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that might set the alarms off. Items such as your belt, coat and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• All electronic devices, including your tablet and phone, are also required to be scanned.
• Remove gels and liquids from your hand luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit in a single quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• It's also possible you'll be required to remove your shoes for scanning, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a clever idea.
• Sharp or pointed objects (like knives and scissors) are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them in your checked baggage.