Cheap Flights to Mel from HK$2,556

If you're not prepared, travelling can be challenging. But there's no need to panic. Follow these helpful hints for a pain-free start to your time in Mel. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First and foremost, pack your passport, travel documents, wallet and medications. Next, you'll need some extra in-flight entertainment to while away the hours. A thrilling novel and a phone crammed with your favourite shows are some fantastic options. If you intend to catch up on some sleep, a neck pillow and some earplugs will also come in handy. Finally, find room for a few toiletry items so you'll hop off the plane feeling fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have a pocket knife lurking in the bottom of your hand luggage. Other banned items include explosive or flammable products, such as aerosol cans and bleach, and gels and liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your priority when choosing what to wear on your flight. Loose clothing is a wise option, as are flat, enclosed shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clotting due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

A little pre-planning before you arrive at the airport will make your getaway to Mel a pleasure. Check out our useful tips and tricks for a speedy journey through security:

• Your passport and travel documents will need to be shown to airport security personnel. Keep them someplace accessible so you don't have to dig around for them.
• The X-ray machine comes next. Empty your pockets and remove anything metal that is likely to beep. This includes items like earphones or headphones, as well as bulky coats or jackets. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• All electronic gadgets, including your laptop and phone, are also required to be scanned separately.
• Want to bring along your favourite hand and nail cream? As long as it's in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and it's stored in a clear zip-lock bag, it's OK to bring with you on board.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several minutes. Boots and heavy shoes are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on shoes 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 and will be confiscated.