Cheap Flights to Palín from HK$1,213

If you're not prepared, airports and flying can be testing. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these useful tips and enjoy a pain-free start to your time in Palín. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• It's easy — first, pack your passport, important documents, credit cards and medications. Next, you'll need some extra in-flight entertainment to while away the time. A thrilling book and a laptop crammed with your favourite movies are some terrific options. If you plan to take a quick snooze, a quality neck pillow and a pair of noise-cancelling headphones will also be useful. Finally, squeeze in a few toiletry items to ensure you step off the plane looking fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items differs between airlines, the general rule to follow is avoid carrying anything flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, blades, fuels and bleaching agents. Sporting equipment like bows and arrows, and objects that could harm other people, such as guns and swords, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to go for comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes in the cabin by layering up, and opt for slightly roomy, flat footwear like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potential risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clotting due to poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

The answer is — be prepared. We've compiled some handy tips and tricks for an easy trip through airport security. Watch out Palín, here you come:

• Be sure to have your travel documents and passport within close reach. They're the first items you'll be asked for by airport security.
• Next up is the X-ray machine. Remove anything metal on you that is likely to beep. This includes items like earphones or headphones, as well as bulky coats or jackets. They'll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• For just a few minutes, you'll have to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, laptop and any other electronic gadgets must also go through the scanner.
• Remove all liquids and gels from your carry-on luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit inside a single quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a great footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when going through security. Hiking boots and other bulky shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp items or pocket knives in your carry-on luggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, check them in.