Cheap Flights to Panama City from HK$1,565

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be an enjoyable experience if you've prepared well. We've made a list of handy tips and tricks that will get your Panama City escape started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a pain-free travel experience is to pack in advance. First up, the essentials: passport, travel docs, credit cards and daily medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you entertained, like some electronic gadgets or a magazine. It's also smart to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. Last but not least, be sure to pop in toiletry items like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a fresh set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items differs between airlines, the general guide to follow is avoid carrying anything flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes knives, scissors, fuels and bleaching agents. Sports equipment like baseball bats, and items that could harm other people, such as pepper spray and guns, aren't allowed in the cabin either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Go for comfort over style. Prepare for changes in temperature by donning layers, and opt for slightly roomy, flat 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. Try to walk around the cabin and stretch your legs or do some gentle exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

As savvy travellers know, the secret is to be well organised before you arrive at the airport security gate. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Panama City before you know it. Follow these helpful tips and get your holiday off to a great start:

• Airport security personnel first need to make sure that you have a valid passport and boarding pass before anything else. Have them ready to show.
• Next up is the X-ray machine. Remove anything metal on you that is likely to set off the scanner's alarm. This includes items like earphones or headphones, as well as heavy jackets or coats. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• Your electronic devices like phones and laptops will also have to go through the machine for inspection. Don't worry though, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Any gels or liquids, such as perfume or hairspray, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you a few precious minutes. Boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Lightweight sneakers are usually not.
• Airlines will not allow any pocket knives or other sharp items in the cabin. If you need to bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked baggage.