Cheap Flights to Playa from HK$396

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be daunting. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these tips and tricks and enjoy a worry-free start to your getaway in Playa. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First, put in your passport, travel documents, wallet and vital medications. Next, you'll need some extra in-flight entertainment to help pass the time. A juicy novel and a phone filled with your favourite movies are some terrific options. If you plan to take a short nap, a neck pillow and some earplugs will also come in handy. Finally, squeeze in a toothbrush and some facial wipes to ensure you arrive feeling fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Put all your full-sized bottles of hair gel and hairspray in your checked luggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) won't be allowed on. Sharp objects, like a Swiss Army knife, and products which are flammable or explosive, such as flares, bleaching agents and gasoline, are also prohibited.

What to wear on a flight:

• Go for comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes by wearing layers, and wear easy-to-remove shoes like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-distance flights. It results from blood clots forming 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 organised. We've pulled together some top tips for a speedy trip through security. Watch out Playa, here you come:

• Be sure to keep your passport and boarding pass handy. They're the first things you'll be asked to show at security.
• After that, both you and your hand luggage must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that might trigger the alarms. Personal belongings like your coat, belt and headphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, tablet and any other electronic gadgets must also go through the scanner.
• Travelling with your favourite perfume or cologne? As long as the volume is no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and it's stored in a zip-close bag, it's fine to bring with you in your carry-on bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a practical footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when passing through security. Safety boots and other bulky shoes are usually subjected to extra screening.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, put them in your checked luggage. They won't be allowed on board and will be confiscated.