Cheap Flights to Mati from HK$491

If you're not prepared, air travel can be overwhelming. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy hints and enjoy a stress-free start to your time in Mati. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First and foremost, put in your passport, travel docs, bank cards and daily medications. Next, you'll want some in-flight entertainment to while away the hours. A thrilling novel and a phone filled with your favourite shows are some terrific options. If you plan to catch forty winks, a neck pillow and some earplugs will also be useful. Finally, make room for a toothbrush and some cleansing wipes so you'll step off the plane feeling fresh as a daisy.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Put all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hairspray in your checked baggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) won't be allowed on. Sharp or pointed objects, like your pocket knife, and dangerous products which are flammable or explosive, such as flares, bleaching agents and fireworks, are also prohibited.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your goal here is to be as comfortable as you can. Go for flat, closed-toe shoes, dress in loose, natural-fibre clothing and don't forget to bring a sweater in case you get chilly in the cabin.
• Caused by sustained periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot condition that can affect passengers on long-haul flights. Lower your risks by drinking water, keeping your legs moving and wearing compression socks to help improve your circulation.

The secret is to be well prepared before you reach airport security. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Mati in a flash. Follow these tips and get your holiday off to a terrific start:

• Security personnel first need to make sure that you have a valid ID and matching boarding pass before anything else. Keep them close by.
• After that, both you and your hand luggage must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that might trigger the alarms. Personal belongings like your belt, coat and headphones need to go through the machine.
• All your electronic devices, including your laptop and phone, will also need to be separately scanned.
• Travelling with your favourite cologne or perfume? No problem. As long as the volume is no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and it's stored in a zip-lock bag, it's fine to bring with you in your carry-on baggage.
• There's a possibility that you'll be required to take your shoes off to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a smart idea.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, pack them safely away in your checked luggage. They won't be allowed on board and will be confiscated.