Cheap Flights to Parksville from HK$3,460

If you're not prepared, air travel can be overwhelming. But there's no need to panic. Follow these helpful hints for a trouble-free start to your getaway in Parksville. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a pain-free flight experience is to plan ahead. So, let's start with the basics: passport, official ID, cash and vital medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you entertained, like some electronic devices or a magazine. You'll also want to bring your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earphones. Finally, be sure to chuck in toiletry items like a toothbrush, lip balm and a clean set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have a pocket knife lurking in one of the compartments of your carry-on luggage. Other restricted items include flammable or explosive goods, such as bleach and fuel, and gels and liquids in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• Go for comfort over style. Prepare for changes in cabin temperature by wearing layers, and opt for flat, enclosed shoes like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-distance flights. It results from blood clotting due to inactivity and poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

The answer is simple — be prepared. We've rounded up some tips and tricks for a fuss-free trip through airport security. Watch out Parksville, here you come:

• Your boarding pass and travel ID will need to be shown to airport security personnel. Keep them within easy reach so you don't hold up the queue.
• Your belt, jacket, keys and other small items, like your headphones, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them before your turn.
• Electronic devices like laptops and phones will also have to go on a tray for inspection. Don't worry though, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Can't travel without your favourite hand cream? No problem. As long as the volume is no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and it's stored in a clear zip-lock bag, you can keep it with you in your carry-on bag.
• There's a chance you'll be required to remove your shoes for scanning, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a clever idea.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp items or pocket knives in your carry-on luggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked luggage.