Cheap Flights to Sydney from HK$10,646

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be an enjoyable experience if you've prepared well enough. We've made a list of essential travel tips that will help get your Sydney holiday started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a hassle-free flight experience is to be prepared. First up, the essentials: passport, travel documents, bank cards and important medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help while away those hours, like your laptop or a juicy novel. It's also a wise idea to bring your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of headphones. And of course, don't forget to pop in toiletries like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a clean T-shirt.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have a sharp object hiding in the bottom of your hand luggage. Other restricted items include explosive or flammable products, such as fuel and matches, and liquids and gels in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an airplane are no place for a fashion parade. Dress in comfortable layers and pick shoes that are flat, roomy and easy to pull on and off.
• Most travellers are aware of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged periods of sitting. To reduce your risk on board, stay hydrated, consider wearing compression tights or socks and do gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat.

As savvy travellers know, the secret is to be well prepared before you get to security. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Sydney in no time at all. Follow these helpful tips and get your holiday off to a great start:

• Be sure to have your ID and travel documents within easy reach. They'll be the first things you'll be asked to present to airport security.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your coat, belt, keys and other items in your pocket, like your earphones, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them as your turn draws near.
• Electronic devices like phones and laptops will also need to go on a tray to be scanned. No need to worry though, you'll be back online in no time.
• Remove gels and liquids from your hand luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each item should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit in a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a sensible footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when passing through security. Boots and heavier-style shoes are usually subjected to extra screening.
• Sharp or pointed items are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so pack them in your checked baggage.