Cheap Flights to Sparta from HK$5,981

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be tough. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these tips and tricks and enjoy a trouble-free start to your getaway in Sparta. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Travelling on a plane can be a comfortable experience if you pack the right things. Firstly, you'll want a few basic toiletry items, such as lip balm and hand cream, a clean set of clothes and a few magazines. Next, leave space in your hand luggage for your electronic gadgets, chargers, any vital medications and maybe a proper neck pillow too. Last, but definitely not least, remember to bring your passport, travel docs 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 baggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) will be confiscated. Sharp or pointed objects, like your beloved pocket knife, and products which are flammable or explosive, such as flares, bleaching agents and gasoline, are also banned.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an aircraft aren't the place for a fashion parade. Layer up with comfortable clothing and pick shoes that are flat, enclosed and easy to pull on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-distance flights. It's the result of blood clots forming due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

Being prepared before you get to the airport will make your trip to Sparta easy and painless. Check out our handy tips for a speedy journey through security:

• First things first. Your passport and boarding pass will need to be inspected by airport security personnel. Have them easily accessible so you don't hold up the line.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on bag must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Personal belongings such as your belt, jacket and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• Your electronic gadgets like phones and laptops will also have to go through the machine to be scanned. No need to worry though, you'll be back online in no time.
• Any liquids or gels, such as perfume or toothpaste, that you want to bring on board must be no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), zip-lock bag.
• There's a chance you'll be asked to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a good idea.
• Sharp items such as knives and scissors are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so put them in your checked suitcase.