Cheap Flights to San Francisco from HK$1,195

Depending on where you're coming from, your journey to San Francisco could be as easy as pie or it could drag on forever. Below are some handy tips that will help you start your next big adventure on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Travelling on a plane can be a cruisy experience if you bring the right things. Firstly, you'll want a few basic toiletry items, such as deodorant and a toothbrush, a fresh set of clothes and a good book. Secondly, make room in your bag for your phone and charger, any vital medications and maybe a quality neck pillow too. Lastly, and most importantly, be sure to bring your passport, travel docs and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have sharp objects (like a pocket knife) lurking in the bottom of your hand luggage. Other banned items include flammable or explosive substances, 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:

• The aisles of an aircraft are no place for a fashion parade. Layer your clothing and opt for shoes that are flat, roomy and easy to pull on and off.
• Caused by sustained periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect some passengers during long-distance flights. Lower your risks by staying hydrated, keeping your legs moving and wearing compression socks to help improve your circulation.

The answer is simple — be organised. We've rounded up some helpful hints for a hassle-free trip through security. Watch out San Francisco, here you come:

• First things first. Your boarding pass and travel ID will need to be shown to security personnel. Keep them at hand so you don't hold up the line.
• After that, both you and your carry-on bag will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that might set the alarms off. Personal belongings like your jacket, belt and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• Your electronic devices like phones and laptops will also have to go on a tray to be scanned. Don't worry though, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Any liquids or gels, such as hair oil or hand cream, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a good footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when passing through security. Safety boots and other heavy-style shoes are usually subjected to extra screening.
• Airlines will not allow any pocket knives or other sharp items to come on board with you. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked baggage.