Cheap Flights to Santiago from HK$1,496

If you're not prepared, airports and flying can be testing. But there's no need to panic. Follow these useful tips and enjoy a worry-free start to your time in Santiago. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having an amazing travel experience is to pack ahead. First up, the essentials: passport, boarding pass, cash and daily medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you occupied, like some electronic devices or a juicy novel. You'll also want to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earphones. Finally, be sure to chuck in toiletry items like a toothbrush, lip balm and a clean set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items can differ between air carriers, the general rule to follow is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes things like tools, metal cutlery, fireworks and fuel. Sporting equipment like golf clubs, and items that could harm passengers, such as firearms and ammunition, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your top priority when deciding what to wear on your flight. Loose, breathable clothing is a wise choice, as are flat, slightly roomy shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-distance flights. It results from blood clots forming due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

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

• Your travel documents and passport will need to be inspected by airport security personnel. Keep them within easy reach so you don't have to dig around for them.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your belt, coat, keys and other small items, like your headphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them before your turn.
• All electronic devices, including your phone and laptop, must also be separately scanned.
• Can't travel without your favourite perfume or cologne? No problem. As long as it's in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and it's stored in a zip-close bag, you can bring it with you in your carry-on baggage.
• It's also likely that you'll be asked to remove your shoes for scanning, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a good idea.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, pack them in your checked suitcase. They won't be allowed on board.