Cheap Flights to Santa Clara from HK$1,174

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you've planned ahead. Follow these handy tips and tricks that will get your Santa Clara holiday started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Air travel can be a great experience if you carry the right stuff. Firstly, you'll want a few basic toiletries, such as deodorant and a toothbrush, a clean set of clothes and a good read. Next, leave space in your hand luggage for your phone, tablet and chargers, medications and maybe a comfy neck pillow too. Last, but definitely not least, be sure to bring your passport, travel documents and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Pack all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hair gel in your checked luggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) won't be allowed on. Sharp objects, like a Swiss Army knife, and dangerous goods which are explosive or flammable, such as aerosols and fuels, are also not allowed.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of a plane are no place for a fashion parade. Dress in comfortable layers and pick shoes that are flat, enclosed and easy to take on and off.
• You're probably aware of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity. To minimize your risk on board, stay hydrated, consider wearing compression socks or tights and keep your legs and feet moving.

Being prepared before you arrive at the airport will help make your trip to Santa Clara quick and painless. We've rounded up some useful tips and tricks for a speedy journey past security:

• Have your travel documents and passport easily accessible. They're the first things you'll be asked to show at airport security.
• After that, both you and your hand luggage will be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that might trigger the alarms. Personal belongings such as your belt, jacket and earphones need to go through the machine.
• Your electronic devices like phones and laptops will also have to go on a tray to be scanned. No need to worry though, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Remember to remove liquids and gels from your carry-on luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit in a single quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a sensible footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when going through security. Boots and other heavy-style shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Pocket knives and other sharp items are not allowed on board. They'll be seized at security, so pack them safely away in your checked suitcase.