Cheap Flights to Ponte de Sor from HK$339

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be a pleasurable experience if you've prepared well enough. We've put together a list of handy hints that will get your Ponte de Sor holiday started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Firstly, and most importantly, pack your passport, important documents, credit cards and medications. Next, you'll need some entertainment to while away the time. A thrilling book and a laptop filled with your favourite shows are some wonderful options. If you intend to catch forty winks, a neck pillow and some earplugs will also be useful. Finally, make room for a toothbrush and some facial wipes to ensure you arrive at your destination feeling fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items differs between air carriers, the general rule of thumb is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, drills, spray paint and flares. Sports equipment like ice skates, and items that could injure passengers, such as guns and swords, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your goal here is to feel as comfortable as you can. Pick shoes that are easy to slip on and off, dress in loose, natural fibers and remember to bring a pullover in case it gets chilly in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-distance flights. It results from blood clots forming due to inactivity and poor circulation, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

The trick is to be well prepared before you get to the security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Ponte de Sor in a flash. Follow these helpful tips and get your holiday off to a spectacular start:

• Airport security personnel first need to establish that you have a valid ID and boarding pass before you're allowed to proceed any further. Keep them within easy reach.
• After that, both you and your carry-on luggage must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Items such as your coat, belt and headphones need to go through the machine.
• Your electronic gadgets like laptops and phones will also have to go through the machine for inspection. Don't worry, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Travelling with your favourite perfume or cologne? Not a problem. As long as the volume is no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and it's stored in a zip-lock bag, you're allowed to bring it with you in your carry-on baggage.
• There's a possibility that you'll need to remove your shoes for scanning, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a smart idea.
• Knives and other sharp items are not allowed on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so put them in your checked suitcase.