Cheap Flights to San Antonio de Pichincha from HK$1,340

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be a pleasurable experience if you're well prepared. Take a peek at these essential travel tips that will get your San Antonio de Pichincha escape started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Flying can be a pleasure if you've got all the right gear. Firstly, you'll need toiletry items, such as lip balm and hand cream, a clean pair of socks and a magazine or two. Next, find room in your carry-on bag for your phone and charger, any vital medications and perhaps a cosy neck pillow too. Lastly, remember to take your passport, travel documents and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items can differ between airlines, the general rule to follow is nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes tools, metal cutlery, fireworks and fuel. Sports equipment like ski poles, and objects that could injure passengers, such as swords and guns, aren't allowed in the cabin either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your priority when choosing what to wear on your flight. Loose, breathable clothing is a sensible choice, as are enclosed shoes like sneakers.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-distance flights. It's the result of 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 simple answer is — be prepared. We've pulled together some top tips for a fuss-free trip through airport security. Look out San Antonio de Pichincha, here you come:

• Have your ID and boarding pass handy. They're the first things you'll be asked for by security.
• Your coat, belt, keys and other small items, like your earphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them before your turn.
• Your electronic gadgets like laptops and phones will also have to go through the machine for inspection. No need to worry though, you'll be back online in no time.
• Any gels or liquids, such as perfume or hairspray, that you want to take on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a good footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when going through security. Hiking boots and other bulky shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp objects in the cabin. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked baggage.