Cheap Flights to St. Charles from HK$1,499

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be testing. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these useful tips for a hassle-free start to your time in St. Charles.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane ride can be a cruisy experience if you carry the right gear. Firstly, you'll want some toiletry items, such as a toothbrush and hairbrush, a clean pair of socks and a few magazines. Next, find a spot in your carry-on bag for your electronic devices, chargers, any vital medications and perhaps a proper neck pillow too. Last, but definitely not least, don't forget to take 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 liquids or gels in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated. Sharp or pointed objects, like a Swiss Army knife, and products which are explosive or flammable, such as aerosols and gasoline, are also not allowed.

What to wear on a flight:

• The answer to a comfortable flight is often as simple as your choice of clothing. Prepare for temperature changes by layering up. This will keep you nice and warm if the cabin starts to cool down. Shoes like sandals and heels are best left in your suitcase. Even though they may be your favorites, opt for flat, closed-toed footwear like slip-ons. Your feet will thank you later.
• Unfortunately, one risk of long-haul flights is developing DVT (deep vein thrombosis), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged inactivity. To avoid this, make the most of every opportunity to walk around and give your legs a stretch. Compression tights and socks are another simple way to help minimize this risk.

The answer is simple — be prepared. We've compiled some helpful hints for an easy trip through security. Look out St. Charles, here you come:

• Have your travel documents and ID within close reach. They're the first things you'll be asked to show at security.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on luggage must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that might trigger the alarms. Personal belongings such as your coat, belt and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• All electronic devices, including your phone and tablet, are also required to be scanned separately.
• Any liquids or gels, such as perfume or hairspray, that you want to take on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), zip-lock bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a good footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when passing through security. Hiking boots and other bulky shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, pack them safely away in your checked baggage. They won't be allowed in the cabin.