Cheap Flights to Santa Catalina from HK$515

Depending on where you're coming from, your journey to Santa Catalina could be no sweat at all or it could drag on forever. Below are some handy hints that will help you start your unforgettable escape on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Air travel can be a pleasure if you pack the right gear. Firstly, you'll want some basic toiletry items, such as a toothbrush and some deodorant, a spare change of clothes and a few magazines. Secondly, make room in your carry-on bag for your electronic gadgets, chargers, medications and perhaps a neck pillow too. Lastly, be sure to bring your passport, travel papers 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) hiding in your hand luggage. Other restricted items include flammable or explosive substances, like aerosols and matches, and liquids and gels in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to go for comfort over style. Prepare for changes in temperature by donning layers, and wear flat, easy-to-remove 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 foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

The answer is — be prepared. We've put together some tips and tricks for a speedy trip through airport security. Watch out Santa Catalina, here you come:

• First things first. Your ID and travel documents will need to be presented to security personnel. Keep them at hand so you don't have to dig around for them.
• After that, both you and your carry-on bag will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Items such as your belt, jacket and earphones need to go through the machine.
• Your electronic gadgets like phones and laptops will also need to go on a tray for inspection. No need to worry though, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Remove liquids and gels from your carry-on luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit inside a single quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you a few precious minutes. Boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Lightweight sneakers usually aren't.
• Knives and other sharp items are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so pack them safely away in your checked luggage.