Cheap Flights to Santo Domingo Oeste from HK$1,118

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be daunting. But there's no need to panic. Follow these handy hints for a comfortable start to your getaway in Santo Domingo Oeste.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• It's easy — first, pack your passport, official ID, cash and medications. Next, you'll need some in-flight entertainment to help pass the time. A juicy book and a laptop crammed with your favorite shows are some wonderful options. If you plan to catch up on some sleep, a neck pillow and a pair of earplugs will also come in handy. Finally, make room for a toothbrush and some cleansing wipes to ensure you touchdown feeling fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Squeeze all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hair gel in your checked luggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by security. Pointed or sharp objects, like your trusty pocket knife, and dangerous goods which are flammable or explosive, such as flares, chemicals agents and matches, are also banned.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of your plane are not the best place for a fashion parade. Layer up with comfy clothing and don't forget to bring a cardigan as it tends to get cool in the cabin during long-haul flights. Slightly roomy, flat shoes are also recommended.
• A serious condition by the name of DVT (deep vein thrombosis) can pose a risk on long-distance flights. It results from blood clotting due to poor circulation and inactivity. Walking up and down the aisle and doing foot and leg exercises while seated is a great way to prevent this occurring. Wearing a quality pair of compression socks or tights may also help.

A little pre-planning before you get to the airport will help make your trip to Santo Domingo Oeste a breeze. We've rounded up some top tips for a swift journey past security:

• Have your ID and travel documents within close reach. They're the first things you'll be asked to show at security.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on bag must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Items such as your belt, coat and earphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few moments, you'll need to unplug from technology. Your laptop, phone and any other electronics will need to be sent through the scanner.
• Remember to 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 in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• It's also possible you'll need to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a smart idea.
• Airlines won't allow any pocket knives or other sharp items to come on board with you. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked luggage.