Cheap Flights to Oakland from HK$8,972

Wherever you're jetting in from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you've prepared well enough. Follow these handy tips that will help get your Oakland holiday started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a worry-free flight experience is to be prepared. So, let's start with the basics: passport, boarding pass, credit cards and any vital medications. Next, bring items that'll help pass the time, like your laptop or a good book. It's also smart to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earphones. Finally, don't forget to chuck in toiletry items like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a clean set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items can differ between airlines, the general rule of thumb is nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes things like tools, metal cutlery, fuel and fireworks. Sporting equipment like baseball bats, and items that could harm passengers, such as guns and swords, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your highest priority when choosing what to wear on your flight. Loose, breathable clothing is a wise option, as are enclosed shoes like sneakers.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by lengthy periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Wander around the cabin and stretch your legs or do some simple exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

As savvy travellers know, the secret is to be organised before you arrive at the airport security gate. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Oakland in the blink of an eye. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a flying start:

• First things first. Your boarding pass and passport will need to be inspected by airport security personnel. Keep them at hand to avoid fumbling around for them.
• Next up, both you and your hand luggage must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Personal belongings like your jacket, belt and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• All electronic gadgets, including your phone and tablet, will also need to be scanned.
• Any liquids or gels, such as perfume or toothpaste, that you want to take on board must be no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one litre), zip-lock bag.
• There's a possibility that you'll be asked to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a wise idea.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp or pointed objects in your hand luggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked luggage.