Cheap Flights to Monte Sião from HK$2,100

Wherever you're jetting in from, flying can be an enjoyable experience if you prepare well enough. Take a peek at these handy hints that will get your Monte Sião escape started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a hassle-free flight experience is to pack in advance. So, let's start with the basics: passport, travel documents, bank cards and any vital medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you occupied, like some electronic gadgets or a magazine. It's also a wise idea to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earphones. Finally, don't forget to pop in toiletry items like a toothbrush, deodorant and a spare set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have sharp or pointed objects lurking in your carry-on luggage. Other banned items include flammable or explosive products, such as fuel and fireworks, 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. Layer up with comfortable clothing and choose shoes that are flat, roomy and easy to slip on and off.
• Most of us have heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by long periods of inactivity. To minimize your risk on board, drink lots of water, consider wearing compression socks and move your legs and feet often.

A little pre-planning before you get to the airport will help make your trip to Monte Sião easy and painless. Read through our useful tips and tricks for a swift journey through security:

• Airport security personnel first need to see that you have a valid ID and travel documents before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them ready to show.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on bag will be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that might trigger the alarms. Personal belongings like your coat, belt and headphones need to go through the machine.
• Your electronic gadgets like phones and laptops will also have to go through the machine for inspection. Don't worry, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Any liquids or gels, such as perfume or hairspray, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a clever footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when passing through security. Big boots and other bulky shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, put them in your checked baggage. They won't be allowed on board and will be confiscated.