Cheap Flights to Sao Jose from HK$1,580

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be a pleasurable experience if you've planned ahead. We've compiled a list of handy tips and tricks that will get your Sao Jose escape started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Travelling on a plane can be a pleasure if you pack the right gear. Firstly, you'll need basic toiletry items, such as toothpaste, a toothbrush and some deodorant, a clean set of clothes and a magazine or two. Secondly, make room in your carry-on bag for your laptop, a charger, your important medications and perhaps a blow-up neck pillow as well. Last, but definitely not least, remember to take your passport, travel docs and some money.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Pack all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hairspray in your checked baggage. Any liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) will be confiscated by security. Pointed or sharp objects, like your precious Swiss Army knife, and dangerous products which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosol cans, flares and matches, are also not allowed.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your main aim is to be as comfortable as possible. Opt for a pair of slip-on shoes, dress in loose, natural fibers and don't forget to bring a jacket in case you get chilly in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by lengthy periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to walk around the cabin and stretch your legs or do some simple exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

As savvy travellers know, the secret is to be well organised before you arrive at security. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Sao Jose in next to no time. Follow these helpful tips and get your holiday off to a fantastic start:

• Your passport and travel documents will need to be shown to airport security personnel. Keep them handy so you don't have to dig around for them.
• Next up, both you and your hand luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Personal belongings like your belt, coat and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• Your electronic devices like laptops and phones will also have to go on a tray for inspection. No need to worry though, you'll be back online in no time.
• Any gels or liquids, such as shampoo or hand cream, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), zip-lock bag.
• It's also likely that you'll be asked to remove your shoes for scanning, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a good idea.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp items or pocket knives in your hand luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked luggage.