Cheap Flights to Placencia from HK$3,985

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you've planned ahead. We've made a list of handy travel tips that will get your Placencia escape started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Travelling on a plane can be a pleasure if you pack the right things. Firstly, you'll want some basic toiletries, such as a toothbrush and lip balm, a fresh set of clothes and a magazine or two. Next, find room in your bag for your phone and charger, medications and maybe a neck pillow too. Lastly, remember to bring your passport, travel documents and some money.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items differs between air carriers, the general rule to follow is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, knives, aerosol cans and flares. Sports equipment like baseball bats, and items that could harm passengers, such as guns and swords, won't be allowed on board either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your top priority when choosing what to wear during your flight. Loose clothing is a smart option, as are flat, enclosed shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting 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 simple exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

It's all about being prepared. We've compiled some handy tips and tricks for a speedy trip through airport security. Watch out Placencia, here you come:

• Security personnel first need to verify that you have a valid ID and travel documents before you can proceed any further. Have them within easy reach, ready for inspection.
• After that, both you and your hand luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Items like your jacket, belt and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• Electronic devices like laptops and phones will also have to go on a tray to be scanned. Don't worry, you'll be back online in no time.
• Remove all liquids and gels from your carry-on luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit in a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• There's a good chance you'll be required to remove your shoes for scanning, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a clever idea.
• Sharp items like knives are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so put them in your checked luggage.