Cheap Flights to Milan from HK$851

If you're not prepared, air travel can be daunting. But there's no need to panic. Follow these tips and tricks for a stress-free start to your time in Milan. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane trip can be a comfortable experience if you bring the right stuff. First of all you'll need basic toiletries, such as a toothbrush and lip balm, a clean set of clothes and a good read. Secondly, leave space in your hand luggage for your electronic devices, chargers, any medications and maybe a quality neck pillow as well. Last, but definitely not least, be sure to bring your passport, travel docs and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have a pocket knife hiding in one of the compartments of your hand luggage. Other restricted items include flammable or explosive products, such as aerosol cans and fuel, and liquids and gels in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of a plane aren't the place for a fashion parade. Don comfortable layers and choose shoes that are flat, enclosed and easy to slip on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-distance flights. It results from blood clots forming due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

A little pre-planning before your flight will help make your getaway to Milan easy and painless. Below are some useful tips and tricks for a swift journey past security:

• Have your boarding pass and passport easily accessible. They're the first items you'll be asked to show at airport security.
• Your jacket, belt, keys and other small items, like coins, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them before your turn.
• For just a few moments, you'll have to unplug from the digital world. Your laptop, phone and any other electronic devices will need to go through the scanner.
• Remove gels and liquids from your carry-on bag. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each item should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit in a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• There's a possibility that you'll need to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a good 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 suitcase. They won't be allowed in the cabin.