Cheap Flights to Mesopotamia from HK$551

We've got the lowdown on how to make your flight as stress-free as possible. Follow our tips and tricks and you'll be cruising through airport security and seeing the best of Mesopotamia in next to no time. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane trip can be a cruisy experience if you carry the right things. First of all you'll need basic toiletries, such as a toothbrush and lip balm, a spare set of clothes and a good novel. Secondly, leave space in your bag for your laptop, a charger, your important medications and perhaps a comfy neck pillow as well. Last, but definitely not least, remember to take your passport, travel documents and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Leave all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hairspray in your checked luggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) will be confiscated. Pointed or sharp objects, like your trusty pocket knife, and dangerous goods which are explosive or flammable, such as aerosols and strong acids, are also not allowed.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your priority when deciding what to wear on your flight. Loose, breathable clothing is a wise choice, as are flat, slightly roomy shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by lengthy periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Make a point of walking around the cabin or do some simple exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

A little pre-planning before your flight will make your trip to Mesopotamia a breeze. We've rounded up some handy hints for a stress-free journey through security:

• Be sure to keep your boarding pass and ID at hand. They'll be the first things you'll be asked for by security.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Items like your coat, belt and earphones need to go through the machine.
• Your electronic gadgets like phones and laptops will also have to go through the machine to be scanned. Don't worry though, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Remove gels and liquids from your carry-on bag. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each product should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a practical footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when going through security. Boots and heavier-style shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, pack them in your checked baggage. They won't be allowed on board and will be confiscated.