Cheap Flights to Shawville from HK$1,174

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you've prepared well enough. Take a peek at these handy tips and tricks that will help get your Shawville holiday started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Flying can be a comfortable experience if you've got all the right things. First of all you'll need basic toiletries, such as a toothbrush and hairbrush, a spare change of clothes and a good book. Next, find a spot in your hand luggage for your electronic gadgets, chargers, any medications and perhaps a neck pillow too. Lastly, be sure to take your passport, travel papers and some cash.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items differs between airlines, the general guide to follow is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes things like tools, metal cutlery, fuel and fireworks. Sports equipment like hockey sticks, and items that could injure passengers, such as pepper spray and guns, aren't allowed in the cabin either.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an aircraft are no place for a fashion parade. Layer up with comfy clothing and choose shoes that are flat, enclosed and easy to remove.
• Most travellers have heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by long periods of inactivity. To reduce your risk on board, drink plenty of water, consider wearing compression tights or socks and do gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat.

As seasoned travellers know, the secret is to be prepared before you get to airport security. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Shawville in no time flat. Follow these tips and get your holiday off to a flying start:

• First things first. Your passport and travel documents will need to be shown to airport security. Have them close by so you don't hold up the queue.
• The X-ray machine comes next. Remove anything metal on you that is likely to set off the scanner's alarm. This includes things like earphones or headphones, as well as heavy coats or jackets. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• All your electronics, including your phone and laptop, must also be scanned.
• Any liquids or gels, such as perfume or toothpaste, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• It's also possible you'll need to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a wise idea.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp or pointed objects in the cabin. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked luggage.