Cheap Flights to San Jose from HK$976

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be testing. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these useful tips and enjoy a hassle-free start to your time in San Jose. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having an awesome travel experience is to pack ahead. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, travel docs, bank cards and any vital medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you busy, like some electronic gadgets or a good read. It's also a wise idea to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earphones. And of course, don't forget to toss in toiletries like a toothbrush, lip balm and a clean set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have sharp or pointed objects hiding in your hand luggage. Other restricted items include flammable or explosive substances, such as aerosol cans and bleach, and liquids and gels in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your top priority when deciding what to wear on your flight. Loose clothing is a sensible option, as are enclosed shoes like sneakers.
• 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.

Being organised before your flight will make your trip to San Jose quick and painless. We've rounded up some useful tips for a speedy journey through security:

• Your travel documents and passport will need to be inspected by airport security personnel. Have them close by so you don't hold up the line.
• The X-ray machine comes next. Remove anything on you that is likely to set off the alarm. This includes items like earphones or headphones, as well as heavy coats or jackets. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• For just a few minutes, you'll have to unplug from technology. Your tablet, phone and any other electronic gadgets will also need to go through the scanner.
• Can't travel without your favourite cologne? No problem. As long as the volume is no larger 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 bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several valuable minutes. Boots and bulky shoes are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on shoes usually aren't.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp or pointed objects in your carry-on luggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked luggage.