Cheap Flights to Root from HK$284

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you're well prepared. We've compiled a list of handy tips that will get your Root holiday started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Air travel can be a great experience if you pack the right things. First of all you'll need toiletry items, such as deodorant, toothpaste and a toothbrush, a spare pair of socks and a good novel. Secondly, leave space in your carry-on bag for your electronic gadgets, chargers, medications and perhaps a blow-up neck pillow as well. Lastly, don't forget to take your passport, travel documents and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have a pocket knife lurking in the bottom of your hand luggage. Other restricted items include explosive or flammable products, such as fuel and matches, and liquids and gels in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• Your goal here is to be as comfortable as possible. Opt for easy-to-remove footwear, dress in loose, natural-fibre clothing and remember to bring a jacket in case it gets cold in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potential risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clotting due to poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

As seasoned travellers know, the secret is to be well prepared before you get to airport security. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Root in the blink of an eye. Follow these tips and get your holiday off to a fantastic start:

• Airport security personnel first need to see that you have a valid passport and boarding pass before anything else. Have them ready for inspection.
• After that, both you and your carry-on luggage must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that might set the alarms off. Personal belongings such as your coat, belt and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• Electronic devices like laptops and phones will also have to go through the machine to be scanned. Don't worry, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Any gels or liquids, such as shampoo or hairspray, that you want to take on board must be no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a good footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when going through security. Hiking boots and heavier-style shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Sharp items such as knives and scissors are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so put them in your checked luggage.